Anything is possible, but nothing needs to be: opportunities and limitations at an American high school

In mid-September, 17 students from the RPTU headed out on a study trip to the eastern United States. They went to Pennsylvania, more precisely to the small town of East Stroudsburg, near the state line with New Jersey. They had four weeks to get used to the American high school way of doing things. However, they weren't sitting at school desks; instead, they were on the other side of the teacher's desk. They got a great understanding of what it's like to be a local teacher, of teaching in general, the school facilities, and what's on offer at a state school – as well as what's not. The hands-on, short-term program, which can be considered a study trip to get field experience as part of a teacher training program, is funded by scholarships from Santander Bank.

Safiye Karaagac and Ken Fischer, who are both in teacher training at RPTU in Landau, took part in this year's exchange program. "It was a pretty intense time. I'm really happy to take back to Germany lots of great ideas, like the idea of school as a place of well-being, the many options and the idea that you can do lots of things but don't have to do everything. "I'm happy to leave other things, such as the incredible waste of resources, over there," says Ken about his diverse impressions and contrasting experiences. "I was really impressed by how open the teachers were towards us students," adds Safiye. "It was really easy to get into the swing of things at the high school. Everyone was welcoming," says the student teacher, who is studying to become an English and French teacher. "Exactly," Ken agrees. "The individual is the focus. During one of my classroom visits, a student fell asleep. After class, I asked the teacher why he had allowed that to happen. His answer surprised me," Ken says. The teacher said he didn't know what was going on at the student's home or why he was so tired. But obviously he needed the sleep. "It's about putting people and their needs first," Ken says.

That's one thing I'll take with me for my later professional life,” the student teacher, who is studying to be an English and physical education teacher, is convinced.

Equipment at the highest level

When the two talk about the equipment at the state-run Stroudsburg High Schools, where they each completed their study trip they go into raptures. “Just imagine: when a student there chooses woodworking as a subject for the next school quarter, they get to work with professional woodworking machines and really create great works of art. It's extremely motivating,” enthuses Ken. In contrast to the conditions under which students in Germany have to learn, the equipment in schools there can be of a very high quality and professional. “You really notice that the relevant authorities invest more money in education than here,” Ken regrets. The options in Pennsylvania range from film to marketing or music in all its facets, sports for beginners and advanced learners, life skills and finance.

Inclusion is a matter of course

“The course system itself is very motivating for learning because of the range of options available,” says Safiye. The students choose for themselves. “For example, there are five French courses. Students simply choose the course that matches their level of knowledge and their goals,” she explains. ‘At the high school I went to, inclusion could take place quite differently because of that,’ Ken adds, highlighting the advantages of a freely selectable course system. ”Kids with special needs could be there quite naturally and choose what suits them. During our visits to the university, we were able to see that the idea of inclusion continues there in the high schools. People with disabilities, such as Down syndrome, are a natural part of the student body.”

Politics is off-limits

However, according to the two, there is one big taboo subject at the school: politics. “There was so much choice in the subjects. But politics wasn't one of them,” says Safiye. ”We were there during the peak of the election campaign. And Pennsylvania was also one of the swing states. So, of course, we had hoped to follow it very closely. One day, one of the students brought a party ballot paper to school and asked the teacher if the course could talk about the individual parties and their election programs. That was rejected. Politics is a private matter.”

Time to be on tour

During the four weeks, each student was assigned to a teacher. “We were able to accompany our mentors to class and, depending on what we felt confident doing, also teach ourselves,” says Ken. “And if we wanted to take a look at a subject other than our teacher's, it was totally uncomplicated – it was even encouraged,” says Safiye. Although high schools in the US are organized as all-day schools from 7:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., there was still enough time to explore Pennsylvania and the neighboring state of New Jersey, as well as New York City and Philadelphia. “In the first week, the local organizers put together a great get-to-know program. The students who will be coming to Landau next year were our buddies and took us with them on their outings. We went to concerts, to a wrestling match and to the gherkin festival,” Ken and Safiye explain.

The two future teachers describe their time abroad as a truly enriching and well-rounded experience. The practice-oriented short stay was organized by the Center for Teacher Education at RPTU in Landau in cooperation with the International Affairs Office and the English Studies Department. The travel expenses were almost completely covered by the scholarship. “We are excited to hear what our buddies have to say about the German school system. Either way, we are really looking forward to their visit,” agree Safiye and Ken.

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