Trip to Columbus

Last Friday, we went for a trip to Columbus. It was on 4th April, 2008.

We started our trip early in the morning. We took one van and one limousine. It was so nice, despite the rain. So, we did not have chance to visit the place and explore the area which would have given much value to the trip.

The first stop, we had a meeting with the Ohio academic staff who were kind to answer our questions about issues related to education: "No Child Left Behind" NCLB and all the its outcome for the benefits of students. There is a lot of investment of money, energy and effort, but still the problems of education were not solved. We talked about the role of teachers in contributing to meaningful learning, how parent involve, and testing, namely standardized test which are designed by companies....

The person in charge of the meeting : its effectiveness and success.

The second stop was to the teacher association or union where we were give an overview of its role in helping teachers all over the country in promoting the learning and defending their own rights.

We were offered lunch there.

The discussion continue while debating various problems and the struggle teachers face, how the board is elected, how they coordinate among teachers and the academy and how they contribute to professional development.

The third stop was visiting the Parliament where we were offered information about the legislative rules, how the election for this parliament is carried out. We know about the history of the building and the two different chambers.

What is amazing is the integration of technology in voting and the structure of each county or city and the portion of members who should join the parliament.

This is an optic illusion when you look critically to the floor under your feet you see that there are parallels, but if you look ahead, you notice that there are circles.















An outside picture and an overview of The parliament in Columbus.















The third stop was with the first lady. She is the spouse of the governor of Ohio. We talked about her role and the different tasks she may do to help in the accomplishment of the rules in the state of Ohio and meeting the people's needs as she is a Dr. psychologist.

Saturday Music Concert

last Saturday, April, 5th, 2008, I was invited to a musical concert in Akron university.

I was invited together with two other fellows.

The concert was ........

We had the opportunity to take some pictures before the concert start. Also, we explored the place which is giant. It provides places where to practice and have much entertainment. The concert was done by the students in the university.

Having fun

Being in the states engaged in learning by making a lot of sacrifice: leaving the beloved ones behind, friends, our students, environment... It is hard to keep the spirit of learning and the need for exploring what is related to culture and education. We are lucky to know not only about the States, but to know about other eight countries.

Time of entertainment was badly needed. This event was when we celebrate our colleagues birthdays: from Malaysia and Bangladesh. After the celebration, we had a lot of fun; telling stories, jokes, puzzle, playing games and competing with each other.

This was hide and seek game

Read Across America

It was on March 30th , 2008, I was among the teachers who offered to help in this educational meeting. It was devoted to Kindergarten to 4th grade children. It was a workshop to help children to pursue meaningful learning. It involves many activities, including reading short stories, drawing, painting, music, making puppets, playing games. This event was so interesting as i learnt how important it is to integrate all learning strategies to cater for the needs of the learners.


They were many hands on activities and psycho motor skills to make the kids move and play and manipulate all the materials they were provided with.

What's more, all the participants were offered a certificate of participation, which is really valuable and significant for any cultural activity which necessitate the needs of other people offering to help.

These students are acting the roles of clowns to welcome the children and have fun with them during all the activities.
They are celebrating the birthday of .................. , therefore they have cake by the end of the celebration.

This was taken before the beginning of the event.