As my time is coming to an end in the Netherlands, it has become clear how my experience in the Netherlands over the previous months has helped my professional development as a teacher. Initially, I was intrigued by the fact that the Netherlands and many other countries don’t wear school uniforms. Before I started placement I didn’t understand how this could have advantages in a school context. However, I was surprised how well it did work in practice, a perfect example of this could be seen in my placement school (Ulenhof college), where the academic level and the behavior of the children were both at an extremely high level. I think ‘no school uniform’ works because the style of teaching is more relaxed in the Netherlands in comparison to home. This is due to a closer relationship between teacher and pupil. I liked the closeness I felt with my pupils in my class and my teacher tutor encouraged me to work on my relationship with my classes. I think that this made my time at Ulenhof more enjoyable. I think this is something that I would like to take home with me to Northern Ireland as previously I have always been worried not to be too friendly with the class as they would not see me as being the teacher. Previously, I have always been cautious to keep a distance with the class. I think having a placement in the Netherlands has taught me to relax more as a teacher.
My whole educational experience in the Netherlands has made me more open minded about teaching. I am more open to new ideas and ways to teach. I think I will be more critical of the education in Northern Ireland when I return home instead of just accepting what I am taught. Now, I have gathered a lot of ideas about education from my placement at Ulenhof College but from also talking to other Erasmus students. I have learnt to not be solely dependent on technology, although it is important to utilise ICT within lessons, there are lots of other key strategies that can be used. It is not the be all and end all of a lesson.
Gliding
Rachel and Daniel went gliding this week. I decided against the idea as I I’m not the biggest fan of airplanes- especially small ones with no engines. However, I decided to go along to the airfield to provide some well needed moral support and of course to be the chief photographer of the occasion (which has pretty much become my role of the Erasmus trip). I’m the one who is always making sure that we have enough quality photographs so that we can look back on them to remember the great times we’ve had in the Netherlands.
Erasmus Hawaii Party
This week we planned a Hawaii party to be held in our flat. All the flat members decided to buy some decorations for the themed party. I was slightly worried when our Belgium flat-mates came back with a paddling pool and a six foot inflatable palm-tree. However, it all added to the theme of the party and our flat looked the part. Everyone had a great night, though sadly this was probably one of our final parties at Vossenveld and what a party it was to end on.
In our paddling pool courtesy of the Belgium girls
This week, the Northern Ireland football team was playing the Netherlands in the Ajax Arena in Amsterdam. We decided that it was essential that we supported Northern Ireland and so we bought tickets for the match. We went together with a group of our Erasmus friends. However, they sat with the Dutch fans while we sat with the Northern Ireland supporters. It was nice to hear a few Northern Irish voices and join in with the craic on the Northern Irish supporter’s side. Unfortunately, we lost the match 6:0, however there were no hard feelings on our side as we were having a great time soaking in the atmosphere with the Northern Irish fans. It was nice to get a little taste of home.
Supporting Northern Ireland as they lose 6:0 to the Netherlands, in the Ajax area, Amsterdam.
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