Education

This course focuses on studying education and training from an international perspective. It examines how global or international developments affect teaching and learning across continents and countries. Educational policies and practices of different countries with regard to specific themes are compared. An overarching framework focused on the complex interplay between economic, political, historical, social, and cultural factors, and how these factors affect national educational policies and practices is used. Topics that can be addressed during the course include cross-cultural perspectives on education; comparison of goals of education across nations; comparisons of educational systems through worldwide studies examining students' academic performance (e.g., PISA, TIMSS, PIRLS); comparison of educational policies with regard to themes such as inclusive education, learning problems, and students with educational disadvantages; the role of the government, non-governmental organizations (NGO's), and public organizations Internationalization of (higher) education. Students conduct an international comparative case study based on policy documents and scientific literature.

This is a special studies course that involves an internship with a corporate, public, government or private organization, arranged with the Study Center Director or Liaison Officer. The special study projects generally involve teaching a mini-course on American culture (literature, music, art, or history) and/or English as a second language in a local school or private organization under the supervision of an experienced teacher. Internships vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. A substantial paper or series of reports is required along with actual lesson plans. Units vary depending on the contact hours and method of assessment. The total units for the academic year cannot exceed 12.0. Pass/no pass only.

This course is designed to connect school students in remote areas with the international and local NTU students in Taiwan. Students demonstrate their commitment to the rural community through service and learning opportunities. Activities range from distance interactions through webcam and school visit located in Keelung City, Chaiyi, Nantou, Taitung, and Kaohsiung areas. By going to one of the 7 primary or secondary schools located at the countryside in Taiwan, students are given the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of Taiwanese culture and share their own culture. At the same time, teachers and students in Taiwan will acknowledge their own community values and opportunities for exchange from a global and co-existing point of view. Students participate in volunteer activity via webcam, volunteer training with reflective learning and school visit and teaching. Assessment: presentation and final report. This course is graded p/np only.

This is a special studies course with projects arranged between the student and faculty member. The specific topics of study vary each term and are described on a special study project form for each student. The number of units varies with the student's project, contact hours, and method of assessment, as defined on the student's special study project form.

This ccourse is part of the Laurea Magistrale program. The course is intended for advanced level students only. Enrollment is by consent of the instructor. The course enables students to: be familiar with the structure of education systems in the developed world; recognize the goals of knowledge transmission, socialization, and selection typically pursued by education systems; be knowledgeable about sociological theories dealing with education; understand selection mechanisms enacted via education systems; identify the interests of the various stake-holders involved in educational activities; grasp the key features of the comparative approach to the study of teaching and learning processes; apply a set of tools for analyzing educational policies (as, for example social inequality) and thus interpret them, convey their principal characteristics and assess their outcomes.