Pan Chiao High School Social Studies Seminar & Happy 4th of July!

Celebrating the Red, White & Blue in Taiwan!

Happy 4^th of July!!  I miss being home to celebrate Independence Day but it is fitting that I gave a presentation today on voting behavior in the U.S.  Today we are participating in a Social Studies Seminar with teachers from various high schools in area.  Pan Chiao High School is located in a much more urban area than Shuangxi and Lin-Kou.  It seems as though we keep moving closer and closer to Taipei City.  I still haven’t been downtown yet to Taipei and look forward to seeing all the famous sites there soon. 

Kelly, Jim, Jackie #2 and I opened our presentation by sharing information on Fairfax County Public Schools, our social studies curriculum and our individual schools.  The title of my presentation was Using Data to Draw Conclusions.  I have used this lesson before in U.S. Government to help students understand voting behavior in the U.S. and the typically voter.  My goal was to demonstrate how the use of data can help students understand a concept instead of only using the teacher-centered approach of lecture.  The teachers analyzed voting data from the 2008 elections in pairs to determine who votes.  After the teachers worked in pairs, we went over the data and discussed why certain demographics voted more than others.  I was very impressed with their knowledge of our electoral system – they knew that we voted on a Tuesday! 

All the teachers were very engaged in the lesson and I was very happy that the teachers enjoyed the presentation and were asking questions.  Lastly, I asked the teachers on one-side of the room to draw a picture of the typical voter and the other side to draw a picture of a non-voter.  I had two wonderful volunteers who shared their pictures with the group.

I also learned some aspects of voting in Taiwan.  In Taiwan, you must be at least 20 years of age to vote and you are automatically registered to vote once you turn 20.  The teachers also told me that those with higher educational attainment in Taiwan actually vote less.  This is the complete opposite to the United States.  Unfortunately, I did not have more time to speak to the teachers today about voting and politics in Taiwan, but I look forward to seeking out some teachers tomorrow to discuss this more. 

Our day was packed with more presentations.  Jim gave his presentation on several strategies and lesson plans he uses in his classes.  We then had a presentation from a history teacher at Pan Chiao High School on teaching the Qing Dynasty.  It seems as though these two days are professional development for the Taiwanese teachers in additional to the opportunity for exchange.  We were able to ask a few questions today but, it also seems that teachers in Taiwan are not used to have questions being asked during their lectures.  This is very different from what we are used to has teachers and learners. 

Lastly, we have a lesson in the computer lab on XMind which is mind mapping software.  We learned about this at Xiufeng High School last week as well.  The geography teacher at Pan Chiao created an extensive XMind presentation on Africa which she used to teach the continent.  She only has 3 hours of class time to teach the 55 countries of Africa, so she uses XMind to engage students through web resources and videos.  It is a great idea, but very time consuming for the teacher.  It took her over 16 hours to create the Africa XMind map! 

After a great day of learning and exchange, Jackie #2 and I met my host mom and sister at the Mega City mall in Pan Chiao to do some shopping!!  I think I singlehandedly just supported the Taiwanese economy this evening.  I bought two pairs of shoes made in Taiwan and a “stunning” (according to Jackie #2) dragon pendant.  It is the year of the dragon and I am a dragon myself, so it is only fitting.  However, I am still looking for the elusive red jade.  I am not worried though, as Jennifer, my host mom, is taking the ladies shopping on Friday.  She is the most stylish Taiwanese women I have met thus far.  The funniest quote of the night was from Jennifer…..as we were driving home in car, she was taking about our shopping excursion on Friday and said we need to go to some big girls stores (for me!).  Jackie #2 and I burst out laughing.  It’s true though, I am one of the larger people in Taiwan.  Everyone is so petite and skinny.  I’ve got the petite part down, but not the skinny! 

It was another great day and night in Taiwan.  Tomorrow we will be back at Pan Chiao High School and tour the Lin Family gardens.