Twelve students from the 69ÀÏʪ»ú¸£Àû’s College of Education & Human Development, traveled to South Korea this spring for a week-long immersive educational exchange at the Korea National University of Education (KNUE).
Led by faculty members Hyun-Joo Jeon, Ph.D., professor of Human Development and Family Science and Mandi Collins, Ph.D., NevadaTeach master teacher/teaching associate professor and director of the Raggio Center for Advancement in (STEM)2. The program provided students with an opportunity to explore the cultural and institutional foundations of South Korea’s education system.
The program included in-depth visits to affiliated kindergarten, elementary and middle schools, where students observed classroom instruction, toured facilities and interacted with South Korean students and educators. Participants gained hands-on insights into South Korea’s student-centered approach to education.
KNUE’s campus offered a window into teacher preparation and curriculum design in South Korea. Students engaged with their peers and faculty in both formal and informal settings, learning about the expectations, pressures and joys of student life in South Korea.
“Their discipline in school is impressive compared to the United States. The students can still act like kids and have fun, but they immediately follow their teacher's instructions,” remarked Sevellon.
Throughout the week, cultural excursions, such as a visit to the Museum of Korean Education, provided further context to how education in South Korea has evolved. One museum display captured this ethos with the phrase “Life is Education” written in multiple languages, reinforcing the universal role of education in shaping society.
Students completed pre- and post-exchange reflections, allowing them to evaluate how their perceptions evolved. Many reported gaining a new appreciation for the impact of cultural values on educational structure and the importance of adapting pedagogy to meet student needs. Several of the students presented at the University’s Wolf Pack Discoveries to showcase what they learned.
Students presenting at Wolf Pack Discoveries.
This global exchange was made possible through a partnership between the 69ÀÏʪ»ú¸£Àû and the Korea National University of Education, formalized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Fall 2023. The agreement established a collaborative program for teacher preparation students and faculty from both institutions.
As part of this reciprocal relationship, the University has hosted two cohorts from KNUE, who engaged with local schools and attended lectures by University faculty. The goal is to provide a meaningful exchange of ideas and a global perspective on education for all involved.
“This collaboration presents a significant opportunity for both faculty and students within the College of Education & Human Development as we broaden our understanding of learning and development to incorporate a more extensive cultural perspective," Dean Donald Easton-Brooks, Ph.D. said.
This ongoing collaboration continues to open doors for students to broaden their horizons and apply global best practices to their future classrooms.
