The classrooms are packed with up to 50 students and they are very small rooms. The school we visited is only for students that are superior in science and math. They all spoke English to us, and most spoke it very well (Moroccans learn 4 languages by the time they are in 10th grade- they start their third language in second grade) and they work and study very hard. When we asked what they wanted our students back home to know, they said to tell them that they respect their teachers very much. Almost all of the students at the school want to go to college outside of Morocco and asked how they could study in the U.S. University education is free in Morocco, but the quality is not as good as in other countries, so many want to study elsewhere. Some of the students in the school we visited today live in other towns, and so they stay in dorms in the school during the week. There are 2-4 people per dorm and they are very tiny. When we asked about technology and free time, the students said the school removed the wi-fi because kids weren't studying (they agreed it was true). They said they have a lot of homework and don't have much time to play around, but when they do they like to use social media. They can go to internet cafes and almost every tudent is on Facebook, Twitter, and likes to listen to music. One student said her favorite musician was Lady Gaga and another said Justin Timberlake. As far as video games, students said they do like them, but don't have much time for them (take note, American students!). In Morocco, you have to receive passing scores on national exams to pass into middle school, and again to pass into high school. Then each year in high school plus to graduate you need to pass exams. If you don't pass the exam at the end of each year, you fail that grade. After failing a grade three times, you drop out of school. No passing on unless you prove yourself!
High school chemistry classroom- looks like the 1950's
School courtyard
Student work on a bulletin board- note the multiple languages
On Thursday I will travel by bus about 12 hours to the school where I will be co-teaching for 5 days. It will be interesting to see how the students in the public school there compare to the students today at the school for math and science superstars...
After we visited the school; we went to a kasbah. A kasbah is a walled fortress where the local leader lived in the past. It was also used for defense when a city was under attack. This kasbah was built in 1150 and was made of red sandstone on the outside, but once you were inside it has walls painted blue and white and had narrow streets.
I hope that I answered your questions about music Trinity, Jordan G, J.C, Megan N, Olivia M, Sierra B, Brandon S, and Kaii.
Question of the Day: Who sings the 1980's song "Rock the Kasbah?"
How old are they when they start school, and do the have pre-k and kindergarten?
ReplyDeleteYes, Paul they have Pre-K. They can start at 4 years old. Then they go K-12. Today we went to a private K-12 school and it was very similar to the U.S except the students stay in the same classroom in middle and high school, but the teachers rotate. Each class is 2 hours of lecture where students memorize information and take notes. Thanks for the question.
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