The long-established system of relationships between teachers and students (when a pedagogue, being a bearer of knowledge, acts as a subject of the educational process, and students only perceive the information transmitted, taking a passive position) is quite outdated in the conditions of modern pedagogy. The progressive system implies that both sides of the educational process should be active, excluding retelling of textbooks and narration of known provisions of science from the learning process.Traveling is one of the best learning experiences that anyone can have.Here is why traveling experience can benefit your education.
But, unfortunately, in most cases, education at a university is reduced to these approaches. Students do not master the basic methods of work with scientific knowledge (the starting point for further study of any science), are deprived of the active position that they should occupy in the educational process. It is necessary to break out of the vicious circle, to increase the degree of independence and responsibility of educational activities.
Traveling supports the goals of progressive education
Modern society increasingly needs creative specialists able to non-standard thinking. Therefore, in our days, higher education should be concentrated not on academic disciplines but on diverse ways of thinking and student activities.
It is necessary to use teaching techniques aimed at developing independence, organizational talents, ability to creatively solve the tasks set, to evaluate and analyze the existing situations, to adapt in an accelerated mode to any changes in production or society. Acquisition of these skills by students largely depends on the content and methodology of training.
One of the innovative teaching methods is educational tourism. It is understood as cognitive traveling aimed at fulfillment of the tasks defined by a curriculum of educational institutions. The use of such trips is the basis for the successful formation of competencies set by training specialists in the following areas: biology, ecology, geography, history, linguistics, physical culture, etc.
Peculiarities of the educational tourism
The idea of educational tourism is not new. The history of cognitive trips originates from ancient times. Graduates of elite institutions went abroad to supplement their education with a personal acquaintance with the history and features of foreign cultures. As a rule, these were applicants for a state-scale service (scientific, diplomatic, military, administrative).
Today, unfortunately, educational tourism is mostly associated only with studying at a foreign university or immersion in a new culture by living in a host family. But in reality, this innovative method presupposes the formation of students’ ability to study in different cultural environments, using various sources. These are journeys not only in space – to other countries, but also in time – to the cradle of culture, to the ancient epochs, the heritage on which modern society is based.
Even if the teacher has incredible pedagogical skills, he is not able to convey that information and the most valuable experience that students acquire during the educational tour. A regional geography trip not only acquaints travelers with the cultural peculiarities of the country but directly involves its participants in the reality of everyday life, for example, in England. No stories or films can replace a personal impression of this country, where the traditional “5 o’clock” tea-time really begins at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, and the most popular meal is roasted fish with potatoes.
But the most important thing in such a trip is a constant collision with a multicultural life, where bus drivers are often representatives of the Polish diaspora, the hotel porters are Pakistanis, and the employees of reference service of the metro are people from African countries. Such manifestations of tolerance may be found literally everywhere in English society.
Today, cultural literacy continues to be one of the main values for education. But “textbook” knowledge of a local history is not enough. It is necessary to have a “personal meeting” with the inner atmosphere.
Orientation and program of educational tours
It is difficult to overestimate the role of educational tourism in the learning of foreign languages. There are more and more students who want to gain in-depth language knowledge in Germany, France, and other countries with old university traditions. Summer youth camps and training centers are also very popular. They offer students not only to study a foreign language but also to master various popular professions (for example, a designer). Language schools are also a popular way to acquire this type of experiences. For example, every year millions of students learn French in France
You can start a new life after acquiring one of the most prestigious and fashionable specialties, as well as upgrade your skills in an existing educational area, that is, take part in interesting professional internships. Participants of such tours are selected by the companies by a relevant profile.
In addition to the required educational level, young people gain experience in international communication. With the presence of colloquial practice in the surroundings of the native speakers, students have an additional advantage in obtaining good work, both at home and abroad.
Also, travelers can combine a language study with sports tourism. Such tours allow taking part in classes on the selected kind of physical activity at a high professional level. Of course, training courses and cultural programs are included in such programs too.
Thus, after examining the role of tourism in the educational process, we can come to the conclusion that, as an innovative method, cognitive trips evoke the desire for academic activity, encourage students to independent creative work, personal initiative, instill the skills of self-education, ensuring the quality training of specialists capable of effective social self-realization.
Maybe, at first, it will be difficult for you to perform all tasks within the framework of a foreign educational program. But this should not stop you. In every country, there are essay writing services (for example, like Pro-Papers in the USA). Over time, you will get accustomed to the local environment and will make remarkable progress in studies. Good luck!
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