July 08, 2013

What an overwhelming introduction-- this was my initial impression during the first parts of the first in-faculty training yesterday. MIT International School is truly one outstanding and excellent institution. The school is not only offering world-class education to its students but also providing them with a warm and loving environment through its faculty, staff and administrators. In this regard, I was excited yet nervous in becoming a part of this institution. I know that with the outstanding status of the school, it is a challenge for the new teachers to uphold the school's expectations and mold the students in accordance with the ESLRs. However, some of my apprehensions were answered and somehow removed because of the explanations and the thorough discussion of what the school advocates and envisions itself to become. It was really interesting to learn more things about the school and how it truly embodies and exhibits what was stated in their written statements.

One of the questions asked during the small group discussion was all about our views about a school or a classroom, and the foundations or origin of these insights. Personally, I was taught that a school should serve as an avenue for students to learn and enjoy the essence of real studying. Students should always be at the center. Unlike the previous classroom setup, students in the 21st century should have access to their own learning and be given the chance to learn it in their own unique way. It is the time for discovery and experimentation to take place in order for the students to actively learn the lessons. Classrooms and schools are also not limited to the four corners inside the institution. As far as I know, a place conducive to learning and appropriate to what the lesson is, can also be considered as a learning area. Field trips, for example, is also considered as a learning experience of the students even though they are not confined in the four corners of the school. These ideas are based from the philosophies and concepts discussed and advocated by different proponents and philosophers.