Education Students Experience Global Learning in Kenya
- contact: College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
- email: unocehhs@unomaha.edu
This story appeared in the most recent issue of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences Annual Report.
In June, a group of Education students and faculty embarked on a transformative journey as part of a study abroad experience, Education in Kenya: Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa. This opportunity was offered as an immersive international component of a required course for aspiring educators at UNO, Human Relations for Bias-Free Classrooms.
The students, including nine Teacher Scholars, sought to gain insights into global education through visits to various Kenyan cities and educational institutions. The course aimed to enhance multicultural understanding and develop the diversity disposition of future teacher candidates. By immersing themselves in Kenyan classrooms, students examined their own attitudes toward various social groups and gained practical experience in an international educational setting. This experience was designed to help future educators motivate and positively impact the increasingly diverse student populations they will encounter in their careers.
Associate Professor Ferial Pearson, Ed.D., hopes this experience will encourage students to bring cultural humility into their own classrooms, fostering environments where they continue to learn alongside their students.
"When planning the trip, I was excited to introduce the students to my homeland, because it is a beautiful place of such rich diversity in terms of languages, cultures, ethnicities, faith systems, ecological systems, and traditions," said Dr. Pearson. "I wanted them to learn with and from the people of Kenya and to understand that there are many ways of knowing, doing, and learning that are just as valuable as how things are done here."
"I learned a lot about the culture in Kenya and am excited to share that with the kids I work with."
Marlaney, one of the participating students, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, noting how the experience allowed her to observe preschool classrooms in Kenya. As someone who works in a preschool in Omaha, she found it fascinating to compare the different approaches to early childhood education. "I learned a lot about the culture in Kenya and am excited to share that with the kids I work with," she said.
Isabella described the trip as "the most valuable class" they had taken, appreciating the chance to conduct qualitative research, teach in various classrooms, and critically reflect on the education systems in both Kenya and the U.S. They emphasized how the experience not only enhanced their teaching skills but also deepened their cultural competence and professional connections.
Jacqueline, another participant, highlighted the profound impact of cross-cultural interactions that will influence her teaching. "I learned about Kenya’s rich culture, other people’s way of living, and the multilingual education and curriculum in their schools. I also have so many great memories of Kenya’s incredible scenery and wildlife," she said.
This study abroad program offered a unique experience that will have a lasting impact on these future educators, shaping their approach to teaching in a multicultural world.
Students traveled with Teacher Education faculty members Dr.Justin Andersson (left), Dr. Ferial Pearson (second from left), and Dr. Gabriel Gutiérrez (right)