Working in an international school setting is truly a wonderful experience. Every day I deal with examples of cultural diversity that both enhance and challenge my own lens on the world. There are the obvious differences such as food, music and language which are interesting and stimulating and then there are the aspects that are a lot more complex such as parenting styles, behavioural expectations and educational values. Over and over I remind myself that “one fit really does not fit all”.
It’s currently report writing season at our place. Reports go home in written form in less than two weeks time. Our aim is to communicate to parents about their child’s level of achievement, their next learning steps and their attitude towards learning—all relevant and important aspects in the heads of educators. However in a setting where there are 60 different nationalities, there are many different views about the value of such reports, what they mean and what actions parents take when they receive them. This has been a challenge to my view of the world, which says that every parent knows about achievement levels and such like. Communication is so important, but communication in such a way that the receivers feel at ease and can connect with the information given. Does it really work to merely send home a traditional written report to someone who does not understand the language of the report nor the meaning behind it. What then is the answer? Always interested in alternatives. Reporting must be more than just “telling”.
LesleyTait 