Bilingual-Bicultural Program for Elementary Teachers.

Overview & Synopsis

Since 1968, Goshen College has been offering a program in international education. Called the Study-Service Trimester (SST), the program provides the geographic setting for direct experience in culture shock by exposing students to first-hand, live experiences and confrontations in unfamiliar environments. As part of their general education, elementary education students participate in SST assignments specially fitted for the future teacher in the classroom. Scheduled during the sophomore or junior year of college, SST combines the general studies component with early field work in the middle college years of professional studies. Students generally locate in Caribbean or Central American countries, where they study, work, and interact as a unit, while living in the homes of nationals. The faculty director coordinates a seven-week study program in language study, field trips, and readings and lectures in history, the arts, government, and education. During the second half of the term, students are assigned to Peace Corps-like projects where they work side by side with nationals. Elementary education students are assigned to schools and children's homes for their work experience. Students keep daily journals, stimulating them to interpret and reflect upon the total experience. The college grants each student who satisfactorily completes SST ten credits in language, social science, and humanities. Additional credits may be earned for language proficiency. (RC)