Playing a good game

There is a lot of talk in the United States at the moment about the importance of global education. Schools like Rutland stress the need for students to recognize perspectives, communicate effectively, investigate the world, and take action. While we are saying the right things, do our actions actually signal a genuine interest in the wider world?

My week at the Kendriya Vidyalaya Malapurram School in Malapurram, India with fellow history teacher, Robert Lurie of Lansing, Michigan, has given me a new definition of what it looks like when a school community truly values global education. On day one of our visit to the school, we were the central focus of an all-school assembly. The assembly included their normal activities: singing the national anthem, the word of the day, news headlines, and birthday announcements. It was then followed by a welcoming ceremony specifically for us. We were presented with flowers, lit a ceremonial flame, and were treated to a traditional dance performance. We were also asked to speak about our teaching backgrounds and the purpose of our visit. One hour into our visit to the school and it was already evident how much they valued our presence. 

Since the welcoming ceremony, both Robert and I have been astounded at the attention we have been showered with by the entire school community. We have met several times with the principal and other administration members and discussed educational practices. (The principal has also provided tea and snacks each time we have met with him.) We have observed numerous classes and then been asked for feedback by the teachers. We have presented to several classes about our schools and communities. Students have then asked us questions about everything from cricket ("Why don't Americans play the sport?") to educational practices ("What are the major differences we see between the two countries?"). We were asked to present a lesson so that teachers and students could get a taste of American educational practices. Obviously, the school recognizes the importance of learning and sharing with others and has a desire to see things from another perspective. 


Additionally, we were asked by the Malapurram community council (a mix of school board and aldermen) for our input on a new interactive educational initiative being launched. (It looked good to us.) We’ve had our picture taken by local media and appeared in the local newspaper. Finally, three different teachers invited us to dinner so that they could talk with us more in order to better understand the United States and our educational beliefs. 

Clearly, this is a school and community that values global education. They have gone into the stratosphere and beyond to make us feel welcome. It is not an understatement to say that we are treated like celebrities here. This is a school whose actions show they see great value in global education. At Rutland High School, we are certainly saying the right things and talking a good game, but are we playing the game as well as the Kendriya Vidyalaya Malapurram School?