Students to spend semester in Scotland

SEARCY — Some Harding University students fulfilled their pre-student-teaching requirements differently than many of their peers in the Cannon-Clary College of Education. Their time was spent assisting in a classroom just like any of their classmates, but their free time was spent touring the green hills and historical landmarks of Scotland.

Nine education majors spentfive weeks in Larbert, Scotland, working under Scottish teachers in their classrooms with Harding Assistant Professor of Education Mike Wood observing the students as they assisted the teachers, interacted with students and taught lessons. The students were able to meet their pre-student-teaching requirements while earning eight hours of credit.

“After five weeks of bonding with a group of students, I feel a lot more confident in my abilities to teach,” junior Kimberley Kokernot said. “They were my first class, my first real students, and I will never forget the way that they made me feel loved and appreciated every day.” The group lived in the Carronvale House, an 18th-century home to The Boys’ Brigade Scottish Headquarters.

During their pre-student teaching, the students were able to visit historical and cultural Scottish sites, including Edinburgh castle, Glasgow, Dublin, the Scottish highlands and the Isle of Skye. Before continuing into free travel or returning home, the group took a four-day tour of London, where they were able to watch the Broadway play Wicked.