A study tour to Belgium took place from 7 to 14 May 2011, aiming at learning teaching methodology, especially student-centered approaches. It was organised at Artevelde University College and at collaborating partner schools in Belgium. The participants were the 2 winning students of the science contest for students at Regional Teacher Training College, Kandal province, Cambodia, three teachers to accompany them and one VVOB staff member.
During the visit, the team visited many places. At Artevelde school, this study trip provided the team with teaching methodology in science by doing biology experiments on kidneys and muscle system movement. For physics and geography/earth science, the team learned teaching approaches consisting of experiments regarding water surface tension, air pressure reaction on water, weather forecast and analyzers, and camera obscura.
At the Technopolis, the team learned and tried some science tools and technology equipment. At secondary school Schoolhuis, the team made a tour in the school complex with different training rooms such as painting room, mechanics workshop, computer room, etc. and, especially, organic garden. The Kampong Kantuot high school also had a talk on their action plan on life skill in the SchoolLinks programme that should be simultaneously completed in this school year.
At the Sint-Maria institute, the team observed biology teaching on kidneys system and its function. The team also visited various rooms in the building such as painting room, garment room, library, etc. In order to have better communication, Hun Sen Serey Pheap high school and Sint-Maria institute were planning to exchange their science-subject related lesson plans and materials. Also, both schools can exchange pictures or specimens of organisms in each country and share them with corresponding description of each species.
At Mira observatory, the team observed the sun before the dusk period. Additionally the team also learned the astronomy and geographical weather and locations on the Earth. Additionally, the team observed the Moon.
It can be concluded that this study tour was really very comprehensive. Our team got the chance to compare the materials and infrastructure, and learn more about the educational situation in Belgium, more specific about our partner schools. This study tour provided a good view on how we can improve our teaching methodology and materials, and how to enhance the communication and cooperation with Belgian schools.
