Statementsteachers

19-10-2009

Cirsten Justesen DK

Skive Handelsskole is situated in the western part of Jutland, Denmark, which is a region with low density in population. In our region the

educational standard is lower than the average for Denmark, and it is vital for the educational institutions to attract students, and to keep

them within the educational system. There are several factors, that are important for maintaining students’ interest in education.

One important factor is the amount of possible international activities at the school. Our students are part of the so called Y-generation born in

the 80’s and early 90’s. They are very aware that one of the vital factors for success in life, is that you can communicate with people from all over

the world. It’s essential that you know about other cultures than your own, and that you are able to work with people from a wide range of

other countries. At Skive Business School we strongly believe that participation in this Comenius project motivates students to complete their education and contribute to their personal, lifelong development.

Lise Rasmussen DKHello, my name is Lise and I teach at the business college, “Skive Handelsskole”, in Skive, Denmark. So far, I have joined (and enjoyed!) three meetings of the €quality project: in Ibbenbüren, Skive, and Northumberland. There are several reasons why I find this EU project interesting, inspiring and amusing: It gives me a good chance to learn about cultures / ways of life in different European countries, and discover our similarities and differences. In addition to meeting colleagues, it has been nice to meet and talk to pupils from the participating countries. It is interesting to experience the ways they address their teachers as well as their ways of communicating as teenagers – again – noticing how we sometimes differ culturally!  Another amusing and pleasant part of the project has been the visits to places of interest in the hosting countries, thereby getting time for informal talks which improve our collaboration and network. As a language teacher (English and German), getting a chance to practice and improve my language skills in company with native speakers have of course been a big plus too!

CATHERINE PEYROULYCEE BREMONTIER - BORDEAUXI’ve been involved in My Europe ,then €quality for 4 years now and I should say it gives some fresh air to the way of teaching English. First of all because my students have to communicate in this language thanks to real situations, through e-mails, video conferences and not only with native English-speaking students.They can therefore realize how useful it is to have a common language.Secondly, it really helps them of getting rid of the stereotypes they could have by getting closer to other cultures.Finally, they can really integrate European citizenship, these are not just two words they can hear in the news but a reality!That’s why I hope our partnership will go on and on, it is a true opportunity to move forward.

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DOMINIQUE VONACHEN LYCÉE BRÉMONTIER—BORDEAUX

What I think about the projectThese European meetings allow us to consider our job as teachers differently. They widen our knowledge of Europe and the exchanges are really profitable for our students. Our meetings also allow us to have a common knowledge within the partnership. The impact on the students is noticeable as the students are really involved in the project lessons but also in the videoconferences and the annual meetings.Some of the former students would like to continue the year after. This gives the teacher some extra motivation. These European exchanges show us Europe is possible…