This volume draws on findings from the Canada-China Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program to explore cross-cultural exchanges in science education in and outside of the classroom. Under the collaborative reciprocity perspective, cross-cultural learning needs to go beyond simple comparison in practices, values, and results and moves to a paradigm that emphasizes a two-way learning process in the context of acting together. Through collaborative work between the international teams and partner schools, the program described in this book shows how collaborative efforts between the two sister schools worked to raise awareness about Chinese farming culture and extend students' outdoor learning experiences. In this book, educators from across the research team share their insights and reflect on the cross-cultural collaborative process and how it impacted the learning experiences of themselves and their students.
Author(s): George Zhou, Yuanrong Li, Jian Luo
Series: Intercultural Reciprocal Learning in Chinese and Western Education
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
Year: 2023
Language: English
Pages: 182
City: Cham
Series Foreword
The Series and East-West Contrasting Educational Narratives
Series Objectives and Contribution to Knowledge
References
Praise for Science Education and International Cross-Cultural Reciprocal Learning
Contents
Notes on Contributors
List of Figures
List of Tables
Chapter 1: Introduction
The Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program
Study Methods
Documentary Data
Observation Data
Interview Data
Data Analysis
The Structure of the Book
References
Chapter 2: Following the Rhythm of Nature: Wisdom in the 24 Solar Terms and the 12 Constellations
Chinese Traditional Culture
Science in Ancient China
The 24 Solar Terms
The 24 Solar Terms Were Successfully Applied for the Heritage
The 12 Constellations
References
Chapter 3: Same Seasons, Different Campuses: Setting off the Journey of Nature Notes Program
Nature Notes Contest
Contest Background
Contest Themes
Contest Participants
Contest Implementation
The Format of Works
Evaluation
Nature Notes Enter Campus
Background of Nature Notes Program Development
The Program Contents
Nature Notes in Canada–China Reciprocal Learning Program
Project Sharing between Two Sister Schools
Nature Notes Projects from Chinese Participants
Proposing a Topic
Project Study Plan
Implementation of the Nature Notes Program in the Canadian School
The Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Programs
Appendix 1: 24 Nature Notes Project Inquiry Working Package from the Canadian School
Appendix 2: 24 Nature Notes Project Inquiry Working Package from the Chinese School
An Example of Nature Notes Project Design
References
Chapter 4: Different Cultures, Working Towards the Same Goals
Case 1: The First Exchange
Case 2: New Breakthrough in the Exchange
Case 3: Exchange around Awakening of Insects
Summary and Conclusion
Limitations and Suggestions
References
Chapter 5: Leading the Way for Students’ Growth
Student Stories with the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program
Student Story 1: Protecting the Mother River—The Youngest River Captain in Chongqing
Student Story 2: Practice Generates Knowledge Through Field Exploration
Student Story 3: Embrace the Nature and Build a Harmonious Parent-Child Relationship
Student Story 4: Battling with Wisdom and Courage to Fulfill the Career Dream of Environmental Protection
Student Story 5: Hanging Foot Tower as Culture Memory
Student Story 6: Survival of the Fittest
Student Story 7: The Subtle Influence Is Worth a Thousand Words
The Impact of the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program on Chinese Students
Enriching Students’ Knowledge
Improve Students’ Overall Ability
Promote Students’ Self-Development
The Impact of the Nature Notes Reciprocal Learning Program on Canadian Students
The Chance of Experiencing Nature and Learning New Knowledge
Respect Personal Interest and Freedom of Learning
Open Students’ Mindsets
Cultural Differences and Mutual Impacts
References
Chapter 6: Teachers’ Experience and Perceptions of the Program
Teachers’ Perception of the Program Implementation
Teachers’ Professional Growth
Respecting and Learning from Each Other’s Culture and Practice
Summary
References
Chapter 7: Conclusion and Suggestion
Program Impact on Students
Program Impact on Teachers
Student Suggestions for Better Collaboration and Practice
Teacher Suggestions for Better Collaboration and Practice
Implications for Future Practice
References
Index