Introduction
The education systems in the UK and the US differ from the one in Germany in several aspects. In this WebQuest you will find out what the schools in the UK and the US look like. On the one hand, you will be looking at secondary schools, for pupils in their teens, usually from 12 to 18. On the other hand, you will be looking at higher education, for pupils who want to study further after they have graduated secondary school.
Task
In groups of three to four, you will research the educational system for secondary and higher education in both UK and the US.
You should examine the following topics:
- What's the general structure of primary, secondary and higher education?
- What kind of schools are available for secondary and higher education?
- How is the secondary school structured? What subjects do the pupils take? What is their timetable like?
- What's the process of applying to university/college?
- What are typical professions / careers that people pursue with different graduations and qualifications?
You can use following links for your research:
UK:
- https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_uk/education_system/
- https://www.internationalstudent.com/study_uk/education_system/secondary_education/
- http://www.hmc.org.uk/about-hmc/projects/the-british-education-system/
- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-curriculum-in-england-secondary-curriculum
- https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/league-tables/rankings?o=Entry+Standards
- https://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/international/studying-in-the-uk/applying-to-a-british-university/
- https://www.ucas.com/
USA:
- https://www.justlanded.com/english/United-States/USA-Guide/Education/The-American-school-system
- http://www.internationalstudentguidetotheusa.com/articles/american_education_system.htm
- http://www.ourkids.net/private-schools-versus-public-schools.php
- https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/2012/10/private-vs-public-high-schools-in-the-united-states
- https://www.studyusa.com/en/a/58/understanding-the-american-education-system
- http://www.bestcollegereviews.org/history-ivy-league/
After you've completed your online research, you can compare your findings with the information in the book (pp. 54-55)!
Process
1. Decide how you will arrange your team work. Since you have three or four researchers, you can divide the work (e.g. pupil 1 and 2 focus on the UK, while pupil 3 and 4 focus on the US).
2. Research the education systems. Make sure you use multiple sources to find additional information. Make notes.
3. Discuss your findings with your team and compare the situations in the two countries.
4. Summarize and explain the educational systems in both countries (use mind maps, diagrams etc.)
5. Point out differences and similarities between the two educational systems.
Prepare to present your findings and explain the most important aspects of the two educational systems to your classmates.
Evaluation
When you have finished your research and documentation, feel free to play the following quizzes:
https://learningapps.org/17931280
https://wordwall.net/resource/1087547/engleski-jezik/british-education-system