EDUC 197 (Educational Systems of Mexico (3 credits)--Dr. Mary Hutchinson)Designed for future and current educators or others interested in Mexico, this course provides opportunities to learn about the educational system in Mexico and compare and contrast Mexican and U.S. classroom organizational philosophies and techniques. Students will participate in a variety of field-based experiences in Guanajuato including visits to the University of Guanajuato as well as local elementary and secondary schools. Participants explore the educational systems in Mexico and compare and contrast Mexican and U.S. classroom organizational philosophies and techniques. The course will involve independent learning through readings and research, as well as a service-learning project in Guanajuato, Mexico, over the spring break.
WL ED 400(Foundations of Language in Second Language Teaching (3 credits)—Dr. Mary Hutchinson) is designed to give students a critical understanding of basic concepts and principles in teaching English as a second language. Using the field experience component of the course, students will be able to critically examine language teaching methodologies derived and implied from first and second language acquisition theories and to apply them while in their field experience. This course requires an in-depth research project based on the integration of the course content with the field experience.
Students must be registered for one of these courses in order to participate in this travel. The immersion experience in Mexico will allow students to focus on a particular course and its requirements within this international setting.