Friday, July 11, 2025

Three Years In: 2024-2025 School Year MOE Reciprocal Exchange Program

 


光明國中參與教育部國教署「國中小姊妹校互惠機制計畫」已執行完畢第三年與美國加州Blue Lake Union Elementary的各項線上交流方案。與前二年相較,這次有不少創新的作法,包含: 1. 二校學生以配對、分組的型式在Padlet上分享及留言,增加互動的次數; 2. 文化箱除了手寫卡片以外,也讓學生學習如何全英語填寫內容物、數量、重量及價格等,以獲得EZPostshipping lable; 3. 延續發展國家漫畫博物館的相關課程,這次我們可以實地現場英語導覽。 感謝洪連憶老師協助「國際文化交流」(I.C.E.)課程的各項庶務及後勤支援,學生真誠的學期末感言讓我覺得一切值得了啊!

It feels like just yesterday we were kicking off our international exchange program with Blue Lake Union Elementary in the United States, and now we're celebrating three incredible years! It’s been an absolute joy to watch this program grow, evolve, and most importantly, see the I.C.E. students at KMJH blossom into confident global citizens.

The Secret Sauce: Activities That Spark Joy & Learning

We've developed a series of activities that aren't just fun, but also incredibly effective. They really get our students talking, thinking, and connecting.




1.     What's So Special about Me"

This is where the magic of self-expression begins! Students share their personal stories and experiences through pictures and descriptions. It's a fantastic way for them to practice their English, but more importantly, it helps them open up and find common ground with their peers across the Pacific. I've seen some incredibly creative presentations that really make you smile.

2.     How to Ask Good Follow-Up Questions

We all know how tough it can be to keep a conversation flowing naturally, right? This activity is brilliant because it teaches our students to do just that. They learn to ask open-ended questions about daily life, hobbies, and hometowns, moving beyond simple 'yes' or 'no' answers. It's truly amazing to hear how much more confident and natural their conversations become.

3.     Two Truths and a Lie                                                                                                        Oh, this one is always a hit! It’s such a clever way to encourage creative thinking and critical analysis. Students come up with two true statements and one lie about themselves, and their partners have to guess which is which. It's hilarious, challenging, and requires them to articulate their reasoning in English. The explanations they come up with can be incredibly imaginative!




4.     Cultural Box                                                                                                                      This is perhaps one of the most tangible and exciting parts of our program! Our  students lovingly prepare and send cultural care packages – think handwritten cards, delicious local snacks, and unique souvenirs from Taiwan. And yes, they even learn practical skills like filling out international shipping labels in English! Imagine the excitement on both sides when those boxes arrive – it's like Christmas morning, but with a side of global learning.




5.     National Museum of Comics English Guided Tour                                                  Living so close to the National Museum of Comics has been an incredible asset! Our students transformed into incredible English tour guides, not just for their Blue Lake friends, but they even hosted students from Thailand! They developed the tours themselves, showcasing Taiwan's unique comic culture and history. Seeing their pride and professionalism as they led those tours was truly a highlight for me.

It's truly inspiring to witness the connections being forged and the personal growth happening right here at KMJH. These past three years have proven that even across oceans, genuine understanding and friendship can flourish. We're not just teaching English; we're building bridges, one smile, one snack, and one thoughtful question at a time.

 

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