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Guiding Question for International Travel and Reflection

I want my guiding question for my International Field Experience (IFE) to Colombia to be one that I can easily use as a school librarian and still engage students in global education.  I also want it to address my love for history, curiosity about stories from other cultures, acknowledges the fact that storytelling can take many forms, and respects the multiple cultural stories that students can bring with them into the school setting.   My guiding question is :

What role does storytelling play in Colombian culture and education?

My supporting questions are:

  • What forms does storytelling take in Colombian culture?

  • Do traditional Colombian and/or world stories play a role in the formal education of students in Colombia?  If yes, how is it expressed in school?

  • Are students encouraged to share their own stories?  If so, how is it expressed in schools?

The blog below will document my preparation for my IFE, experience during my travel to Colombia, and my reflections upon returning.  I invite you to come along!

Reflections and Moving Forward

Today was a meeting day. Emily, the Senior Program Officer for IREX and mom/friend away from home, encouraged us to reflect on our...

On the Road Again

Saturday, we all returned back to Bogota. We were welcomed by the grey cool that is Bogota. In true Fulbright TGC fashion, we hit the...

Putting Teachers and Students First

Today, was the last day of the teaching portion of my International Field Experience (IFE). It was an odd but rewarding day. We had...

We Are All Fighting the Same Fight!

When I told people that I was going to Colombia, they seemed surprised. Many people only knew of Colombia through the TV show Narcos or...

Pride, Poverty, and Purpose

Time to play catch up! For the last two days I have had the opportunity to experience areas of Colombia where people do not make a lot...

Making Connections

Our host teacher arranged for us to take a trip to Chicamocha National Park. Joining us on our trip in addition to our host teacher were...

Hospitality

After a 35 minute flight from Bogota, four of us arrived in Bucaramanga. Jenny and I tagged along with Amber and Michaela to Aspaen...

So Many Emotions!

Today, we traveled to the beautiful, majestic, Monserrate. The ride up using the funicular was a bit harrowing, but exhilarating. In...

Motivation Matters Most

Today, we had a panel discussion with stakeholders in Colombian education. We also met with officials at the US Embassy. We discussed...

"Us in a Bowl"

Today, through will and coffee, I toured UNITEC and the Fulbright Commission. UNITEC is similar to the really good community colleges in...

Welcome to Colombia!

Hi Everyone! We made it to Bogota about 11:00 PM Central Time. I was so glad to be in home time zone. We were a tired but happy group...

Travel Makes You Smarter!

With 2 days to go, I have been fighting through some nerves. Let me tell you why. This trip will be my first out of the country. I...

The Global Ed. Curse?!

If you know the story, The Math Curse, by Jon Scieszka then you know that it is about a boy who begins to see math everywhere. That's...

Sharing is Caring!

So much has been shared with me since finding out that I am going to Colombia for my International Field Experience (IFE). I shared this...

Reaching Out

The country that I am visiting for my IFE (International Field Experience) is Colombia. Today, I emailed a colleague who is from...

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