Yew Ning Denmark Study Trip Reflection

The spirit of collaboration is present among students and teachers, school leaders, parents, and the nation (Denmark), which takes on a strong community spirit. While community learning is present in Singapore’s education, how can we strengthen it? What are the reasons for strengthening it? Are there better variations, how can I adapt this in the classroom and a whole-school approach? It is important to be critically minded when exposed to various new ideas and not just accept them as they are. There needs to be a lens to analyse these ideas – especially relating these ideas to the Singapore context and our approaches to education. I recognise that while these ideas fit in Denmark’s education, it has their boons and banes, and we need to be aware of the pros and cons of the flexibility in the educational system. For example, some Danish teachers have shared their challenges in authority in the classroom. However, because of this flexibility, students are comfortable with discussions, and confident speakers who are able to present their ideas clearly. My experiences in teaching practicum have informed me that these are qualities that need to be strengthened in our students. With that, I would like to strengthen these qualities in the students to incorporate them with the 21CC skills. Besides the classroom context, I also learn about the Danish culture of ‘hoogering’. While it is known that the ethos of the Chinese culture work ethic is that hard work pays off and contributes to a happy life, it is sometimes detrimental to our well-being. Personally, I feel that while it is important to be productive and effective in our time spent, it is equally important that we must not ‘feel guilty’ when we are resting or carrying out a hobby we enjoy. After all, an improved well being is often associated with higher motivation and performance. In all, we need to always be open to learning and constantly reflecting, while balancing our personal well-being and the well-being of our students. 

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