Where I am going...and why

Why am I going to the EU? I find myself myself getting asked this question with more and more frequency, so…some answers.

First, I’m going to spend a few months in the EU thanks to the Fulbright-Schuman program for EU Studies. I’m headed toward a few places- the Netherlands and Sweden, primarily, but planning a few other stops along the way. As an education professor and former New York City public school teacher, I am, naturally, interested in education. So, to this end, I’ll be looking at a few things.

First, the Bologna Process. Most people outside of the EU scratch their head over this. Basically, it’s something that’s been brewing in the EU since the late 1990s and has also picked up steam in several countries outside the EU, included among them, the US. It’s an attempt by countries primarily (but not exclusively) in the EU to reform and unify higher education practice. Higher education around the globe is getting more high stakes and the Bologna Process has recognized this. It has encouraged agreements between and among countries involving (among other issues) course credits, enhanced course transfer systems, and frameworks for compatible learning outcomes, all viewed with an eye toward globalizing the perspectives of students. Depending on whom you talk to, it is unknown, becoming better known, or well-known in the US. Whatever the case, given the potential impact of the Bologna Process, it’s something individuals in American higher ed might want to know more about--- so to this end, I’m planning to meet the country representatives to the Bologna Follow Up Group (called BFUGs) in both Sweden and the Netherlands at their respective Ministries of Education. I will be especially interested in how the Bologna Process has changed (or not changed) teacher education programs at universities.

Next, in keeping with this theme, I plan to visit universities that offer teacher training programs to find out how the Netherlands and Sweden prepare their teachers for teaching. I will be traveling to several universities throughout both countries to meet with faculty to talk over teacher education policy and practice. I’m especially looking forward to this dialogue.

Finally, I think it’s only a logical extension that if you’re taking a look at how teachers are prepared to teach, you then go to schools to see the teaching process in action. I have a variety of schools I’d like to visit and am in contact with the Ministries of Education in both countries for continued direction on this. And, as some of you may already know, Sweden and the Netherlands are among the most 'wired' countries in the world. And so I'm especially excited about seeing how instrctional technology enters into the learning worlds of teachers, students, and their families.

So, all in all, I’m looking forward to an exciting journey—I’m trying to be as planful as possible but also leaving things a bit open-ended to accommodate the ‘surprises’ along the way that inevitably crop up in a venture like this. I'll try to keep in mind that every conversation can turn into a learning experience and that some things unplanned, uknown, or unexpected can be profitable and useful as well. I’ll try to post here as much as much I can, so check back when you have the chance. And remember to keep in touch as well- I’m an e-mail away at joseph.piro@liu.edu –I check my mail often so don’t worry that I won’t get to your message- I will look forward to it.