Fall 1999
Vol 8 Issue 1
IN THIS ISSUE...
Student Voices-Insights on Invaluable Learning Experiences
Taking Learning and Leadership Seriously
Redefining the Learning Environment
A Win-Win Situation for Everyone
Challenging Beliefs about Good Teaching
An Emphasis on Quality Learning
Involvement in the Teaching Process
Providing Support and Motivation
Learning at a Community College: An International Perspective
ASSIDERE
Getting Students Involved in Assessment
Students Sharing Their Learning
SEE ALSO...
The Labyrinth
Maricopa Center for Learning and Instruction
Learning at a Community College:
An International Perspective
Mary Jane Onnen, GCC, introducing GCC Students: Christina Örnemark and Dan Utholm
Entering college can be challenging since it involves adjusting to a new schedule, new courses, and high expectations. For international students, another dimension is added as they not only make all the adjustments mentioned above but also have to filter their instruction through a second language. Two students from Sweden describe the many differences and a few similarities in instruction they encountered at Glendale Community College. These students were in my English 077 class in the 1999 spring semester and have since then spent an additional two semesters on the GCC campus. Here are some of their thoughts.
My name is Christina Örnemark. I'm thirty-six years old, and I moved here from Gothenburg, Sweden, with my husband. I have an economics degree, and I'm studying for an AA-degree in business at Glendale Community College.
My name is Dan Utholm, and I'm 27 years old, from Stockholm, Sweden. I have a language degree, and I'm studying for an AA-degree in Computer Information Systems.
Going to a community college is a mixed experience; some things are familiar, and others are new. Although the basic required courses are the same in Sweden such as freshman composition, math, and science, the education system in the United States, particularly at Glendale Community College, is a lot different from the Swedish school system. In Sweden, the education system is more formal in the sense that all students have basically the same classes. They do not have the same opportunities to choose the classes they are interested in until reaching "gymnasium," which is equal to the last three years of American high school. However, at that time, they can only choose a "general field of interest," which means they must remain with the program. Also, everybody in the same field of interest has to take the same classes.
This is both good and bad. It's good because there is never any confusion about which classes should be taken for the next semester. However, at the same time, it's bad since there is no opportunity to make a choice that fits each student. Here in the United States, you can study for a specific job instead of just studying a general field. There is a greater variety of courses. In addition, you also get the chance to take aerobics or tennis, which earn credits.
Furthermore, the expectations for students differ. In Sweden, most teachers don't really take the time to help students by answering questions, especially if the answers can be found in the course material. Here you can ask almost any question; whereas, in Sweden, you would appear stupid if you raised questions in class. Most teachers in Sweden take for granted that students know what should be learned before each exam. It's up to students to study. They are, more or less, left to understand their homework on their own, and it is not always assigned as clearly as here.
In the community college, the teachers try to explain how and why things work like they do. (But, of course, it's also individual for each teacher.) For example, this past summer, the teacher in my communications class had a very effective method of instruction. First, she wrote the essentials on the board, and when we were done copying them, she gave at least two examples of each concept. Another teacher made sure the concepts were clear by asking each student to present a concept. Five minutes were given for preparation. No one slept in that class!
The testing system is also very different. In Sweden, it is very rare to have multiple choice questions on a test. You have to study word-for-word to know the exact information in order to answer the questions correctly. With multiple choice tests, it is easier to get high grades. Extra credit, also something new to us, makes getting good grades within reach. The American system provides ample support for students to become successful.
The "concept" of having community colleges is excellent. Since the community colleges are open to everybody for a reasonable fee, it is a perfect way of integrating all kinds of different people. Even though you can study at any age in Sweden, you don't go to the same class as eighteen-year-old students.
There are also special programs for adults who want to go back to school and be separate from the mainstream colleges. The mixture of ages in a community college adds one more layer of education since students get a different view or perspective of different countries, cultures, and people.
