We began our day with breakfast on our own, then a subway ride and brisk walk to Ewah Womans University College of Education for two more lectures. We were again greeted by the faculty and staff of this marvelous insitution with smiles and refreshing morning snacks. We learned from Dr. Jongwon Lee, the details of the Teaching profession in Korea. We were amazed to learn that teachers may be moved to different schools every 4 or 5 years and that once one has entered the teaching profession, they have that job until they retire. Generally, teachers are respected and highly valued in Korean society.
Next, we learned from Dr. Hyunju Lee, Assist Professor in the Dept of Science Education, that there is a new initiative within the most recent national update to the science education curriculum in Korea. It involves the inclusion of Character and Values development within the curriculum. Creativity and Globalization are also emphasized. Hmmm. Character in Science...Interesting, don't you think?
We had an insightful and informative discussion about the secondary level/high school credit requirements in American schools and the necessity of recipient schools having access to specific course content of the Korean science courses in order to accurately place students in classes for graduation. For systems that have a mandatory exiting exam like Alabama's High School Graduation Exam, high schools need to know that they are best equiping their new students from Korea with the preparatory/pre-requisite classes for passing the exam. We will be able to collaborate with Ewah's Dept. of Science Education to make sure the information is available to School Administrators, Counselors, Registrars, and other appropriate school personnel.
Following the lectures, we had to bid our tearful and heart-heavy Good byes to the wonderfully knowledgeable and generous Faculty and indispensible Graduate students who made our visit to Korea and education in Korea so amazing. We gave gifts, took pictures, hugged, exchanged email addresses and business cards with sincere intentions of maintaing these new, deeply formed connections.
Who would have thought that two seemingly vastly different groups of individuals from across the globe could form such a strong bond within one week's time?
Yes, we did it.
We shared laughs, meals, cars, mints, gifts, hugs, opinions, space and hopes for the bright futures of the many children whose lives we touch while in this profession of Education.
Our Wednesday concluded with another Special Treat and gift from the gradmother of one of our Fall 2011 AEEC=Kindergarten=students! We made a new friend in Korea with whom we may inevitably be sustaining a long term relationship because of her daughter and gradson who currently live in Auburn. AL. What better evidence to support the notion that we are truly all intertwined and only "six degrees" separate us from any number of potential acquaintances. A stranger can indeed be a friend you simply have not yet met.
She invited us to her restaurant to teach us how to prepare a traditional Korean meal. Upon our arrival, we were equipped with neatly folded, bow-tied, fun orange aprons presented like cherished packages given to a dear friend. Each of us was also given individual hot plates, skillets, aprons, a BIG chopping knife, and gloves and given step by step instructions with a live demonstration for preparing Kimchee, Bulgoki, Jopchae. All our fresh foods glistened with delicious color and as the mouth watering aromas from our skillets filled her beautiful kitchen! 
As an added Bonus, we were outfitted with Hanbok=traditional Korean wear. Took pictures with our cooking instructors and enjoyed the restaurant garden patio.
This adventure into Korean meal preparation culmunated in a feast fit for a King, Queen and all the Royal family, compliments of our gracious hostess! The food never seemed to stop arriving to the table. Just when we thought the meal was over, out came most unusual desserts. A frozen treat made with red beans and a slightly sweetened and creamy sauce, served over finely crushed ice. Cool, refreshing, and so good for us.
No comments:
Post a Comment