International Relationships


As we  move into a more technological world  communications with  other cultures and our own becomes  more collaborative. We  have greater opportunities to share our knowledge about  all aspects of life. In the educational  arena we are able to share our teachings and our understandings of  education in our country with other countries. Thus begins the makings of one global  community.  I am proud to be a part of  these endeavors.

 
 
 
 
 

       The Signing of the Poznan / Boone Partnership
July 2000

Kyle Messner, (Curriculum & Instruction) Appalachian State University, Roberto Muffoletto (Curriculum & Instruction), Appalachian State University, Chancellor Borkowski, Appalachian State University, Stanislaw Dylak ( Educational Technology) Adam Mickiewicz University, John Janowiak (Curriculum & Instruction) Appalachian State University, Constance Ulmer (Language Reading & Exceptionalities) Appalachian State University.

                                                                                                                                   20001 Summer Workshop Proposal 

Teaching Critical Reading and Thinking through Content Area Instruction

Poland is currently in a transitional phase, moving from a more authoritarian government with a state controlled economy, toward a more democratic culture with an open economy.  The focus of education must also change; teachers must begin to provide students with instruction leading to creative, independent thinking.  The ability to read, write and think critically is the essential skill  required for a thoughtful, well informed electorate, which in turn is the cornerstone of an open and democratic society.  The last two decades in Western education and research have provided a rich body of knowledge on how to accomplish this.  This series of workshops will provide teachers with a constructivist theoretical rationale. Specific classroom tools to engage students in democratic thought processes through critical reading, writing, and thinking practices will be taught.  Teachers will use computer and telecommunications technologies as part of the workshops, and will learn how to apply these tools in their own classrooms.

 Constance Ulmer & Gary Moorman







 


The Poland Delegation October 2000

The Poznan Poland delegation came to visit Appalachian State University.  October 2000. Their short visit consisted of dining at the Daniel Boone Inn for a home cooked meal. While there they met with  members from the town of Boone and the university faculty.
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Seated  left side of the table: Professor Kazimierz Przyszczypkowski (Dean, Faculty of Education, Adam  Mickiewicz University), and Miroslaw Wozniak (Mayor of Koscian) . Seated on the right side of the table: Robert White,  Professor of International Affairs, Appalachian State University; Constance Ulmer , Professor of Education, Appalachian State University; Stanislaw Dylak (Professor of Education, Adam Mickiewicz University;  and Demsey Wilcox, Boone Town Council.
 

 While in Boone the delegation also had a short tour of the community and a chance to see Blowing Rock and Grandfather Mountain in full bloom. As part of the itinerary the group met the newest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Oscar Arias. The delegates were very pleased to visit Hardin Park Elementary , one of the schools that will be participating in the distance learning aspect of the  Poznan/Boone partnership.
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Seated left to right: Demsey Wilcox (Boone Town Council),                Stanislaw Dylak (Professor of Education, Adam Mickiewicz University, John Janowiack, Professor of  Education, Appalachian State University; Robert White, Professor of International Affairs, Appalachian State University; Miroslaw Wozniak (Mayor of Koscian) and in the foreground Professor Kazimierz Przyszczypkowski, Dean, Faculty of Education, Adam Mickiewicz University. 

 

Visiting Graduate Students from Adam Mickiewicz in Koscian Poland  October / November 2000

Agnieszka and Magda from Koscian Poland visiting for two weeks are starting out their day with breakfast at Dr. Ulmer's home (their place of residence while in the U.S.)  in Boone North Carolina .They are talking about the wonderful weather they are having and how great it is to have this opportunity to eat outside. Agnieszka and Magda are visiting schools and learning about teaching in America. They have observed the Fifth Dimension Project at Appalachian State University and some of the classrooms in the surrounding areas.

Their First Halloween October  31, 2000


 
This is the Agnieszka and Magda's first Halloween celebration. Here they are enjoying the makeup and dress. They passed out candy to the children and afterwards enjoyed a tour to the Haunted forest at Horn in the West. They also went to a typical American Halloween party. The first frame is pictured left to right Magda, myself, and Agnieszka. In the second frame is Agnieszka, another Polish friend Luycna and Magda. In the final frame again Agnieszka myself and Magda. This is an event none of us will ever forget.

 
In 1997 Dr. Chen and I sat down and wrote a proposal for a Masters program in Puebla Mexico. The goal was to have exchange program for Appalachian students and students from Puebla . Three years later. the program has become a reality. The format has changed but faculty from Appalachian State will be teaching in the summer 2001. I  will be one of the first teachers to go to Mexico for five weeks in May and June. The courses offered are selected reading, adolescent literature, listening and comprehension and an oral language conversation course. 

 
 

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