Students from the School of Languages and Literature provided educational activities and games to high school students in Antofagasta.
Last Thursday, April 25, the Universidad Católica del Norte (UCN) hosted an enriching activity in commemoration of Book Day, receiving the visit of first and third year basic students from the Liceo Experimental Artístico (LEA) of Antofagasta. The young visitors enjoyed a day full of narratives and creativity, organized by fourth-year students studying English Pedagogy.
During the day, the future teachers presented a series of storytellers designed especially for each course, in order to capture the imagination of the boys and girls, promoting the teaching of the English language.
María Isabel Godoy, head teacher of the third grade B of the Liceo Experimental Artístico, highlighted the importance of the pedagogical outings scheduled for Book Week, where the establishment’s English Department is actively involved: “The idea is to get children out of the classrooms and offer them a more dynamic and entertaining experience. “This change of environment promotes learning through self-control and self-care, especially because for many it represents the first time they leave school without their parents.”.
This activity is not only perceived as a walk, as it offers students an opportunity to learn English in daily life situations, such as exploring the city or visiting the University. “Direct contact with new scenarios facilitates concrete learning, where students not only listen and see, but also touch and experience directly”added the teacher.
For her part, Aileen León, English teacher at the establishment, highlighted the objective of visiting the University for children, mentioning that it allows them “get to know the environment where future English teachers are trained.” In addition, he emphasized the importance of familiarizing students with the language from an early age, taking advantage of the natural interest that children have in the language through games, movies and series. According to the teacher, this encourages their curiosity and makes learning more accessible, since it is not completely unknown to them.
Regarding the collaboration between the school and the University, with the students of the English Pedagogy Career in professional practice, he highlighted the positive experience: “Having the students has been very good, they enrich their teaching training and better prepare them to integrate teaching skills into their future professional career”.
FUTURE TEACHERS
For Maykol Morgado, a fourth-year student of Pedagogy in English, the activity ““Not only does it enrich the curriculum of students and future teachers, but it is also an opportunity to apply traditional and effective teaching methods such as storytelling.”.
On the other hand, Karen Sánchez, a fourth-year exchange student of Pedagogy in English, from the University of Córdoba in Colombia, mentions the differences in teaching methods between her institution and the UCN: “Here there are many more opportunities to delve into teaching practice, encouraging the application of theories and the execution of effective educational dynamics”. In addition, he highlighted the importance of practical activities for teacher training, since they allow introspection and continuous improvement before practicing professionally.
