Insights from International Educators: Lessons to Take Away

Teaching overseas offers a unique window into global perspectives and diverse educational approaches across various families and cultures. It facilitates ongoing professional development by exposing educators to diverse teaching contexts, catering to the diverse needs of students.

I had the privilege of working in two exceptional international schools, where I experienced significant personal and professional growth. While navigating the nuances of living and teaching abroad, I encountered challenges beyond the obvious language barriers, cultural norms, and lifestyle adjustments.

Two esteemed professors, Leslie W. Grant and James H. Stronge from William & Mary School of Education, are actively engaged in multiple research projects, including comparative case studies on award-winning teachers in the US and Asia.

Their recent research focuses on identifying the effective practices employed by international teachers to ensure student success. Through interviews with 20 teachers from eight international schools across four Asian countries, Professors Grant and Stronge aim to unveil insights that transcend international educational settings. The summary below, derived from Stronge’s framework on effective teaching, outlines the key practices adopted by international school teachers.

• Cultural Awareness and Responsiveness: Demonstrating cultural sensitivity and addressing the diverse needs of students in the host country.
• Language Acquisition: Acquiring proficiency in the languages used in the host country.
• Professional Knowledge: Mastery of subject content and best teaching practices.
• Instructional Planning, Delivery, and Assessment of Learning: Implementing effective unit planning, instructional strategies, and assessment techniques to enhance student learning.
• Professionalism: Adhering to ethical standards and school policies.
• Learning Environment: Cultivating a conducive classroom atmosphere by fostering relationships with students.
• Teacher Collaboration and Leadership: Collaborating with colleagues to optimize student learning and assuming leadership roles within the educational community.

“Cultural awareness and responsiveness” and “language acquisition” are standout practices, especially when teaching in a foreign country. Mastering the local language and understanding the host culture are essential for effective teaching and community engagement.

While these practices may seem intuitive, delving deeper into their nuances reveals critical components that impact teaching effectiveness, as highlighted by Leslie Grant.

Enhancing Direct Instruction

A forthcoming study indicates that direct instruction, when delivered strategically, significantly contributes to effective instructional delivery. It entails a structured approach involving teacher-led tasks encompassing modeling, questioning, practice, and meticulous planning, emphasizing student engagement and interaction.

While allowing students some autonomy, the teacher orchestrates the learning process meticulously.

Promoting Collaborative Work

Collaboration among educators is crucial, with international educators emphasizing shared workload as a critical aspect of effective collaboration. Collaboration extends beyond planning to encompass curriculum development and assessment design, fostering a culture of professional growth and reflective practice.

Embracing systems thinking, international educators comprehend the intricate interplay of political, legal, and educational systems within the host country. This holistic perspective enables effective collaboration and community engagement amidst diverse cultural dynamics.

Key Insights

Enhance Curriculum Design Proficiency: Educators should bolster their curriculum design skills to facilitate effective lesson planning and curriculum adaptation, ensuring alignment with educational standards and students’ needs.

Additionally, investing in professional development related to curriculum design can challenge and reinforce effective teaching strategies.

Prioritize Language and Cultural Proficiency: Cultivating culturally responsive practices and engaging meaningfully with diverse communities fosters inclusive educational environments. Educators benefit from immersing themselves in local cultures through language learning, community involvement, and cultural enrichment activities.

While the international teaching landscape poses unique challenges, educators can adopt tailored practices to enhance their teaching efficacy and engaging with diverse communities.

Reimagine Direct Instruction: Direct instruction, when thoughtfully planned and executed, serves as an effective teaching strategy tailored to students’ needs and learning objectives. Educators should embrace structured teaching approaches without stigmatizing direct instruction.

Rethink Hiring and Appraisal Practices: Evaluating educators based on collaborative and culturally responsive teaching practices can enhance hiring and performance assessment protocols. Incorporating interview questions and appraisal tasks that emphasize effective teaching principles can strengthen educational outcomes.

Teaching abroad offers a wealth of learning experiences and insights that can be applied universally to enrich educational practices. By embracing diverse teaching approaches and cultural dynamics, educators can enhance their teaching effectiveness and foster inclusive learning environments.