Tallinn English College (TEC) is a public, English-language school in Tallinn, Estonia. It offers education from kindergarten to high school, focusing on developing bilingualism and international-mindedness. TEC's curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate program (IB).Tallinn English College (TEC) is a public, English-language school in Tallinn, Estonia. It offers education from kindergarten to high school, focusing on developing bilingualism and international-mindedness. TEC's curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate program (IB).
Class Observation
We observed classes in Biology, Politics, Environment, and TOK (Theory of Knowledge). As is characteristic of the IB, the classes were student-centered, with discussions and thinking about unanswered questions, rather than the teacher providing one-way instruction. I was impressed by the close proximity between teachers and students, and classes are conversational-like interactions. (A fun class for me!)
In addition, the class was conducted using a projector and a video camera for teachers, and paper was used for textbooks and work, which made the class style feel similar to that in Japan.
Lunch
This was our first opportunity to have a long talk with young people since we came to Estonia. (Students talked to us very positively and friendly!).
At TEC, students can choose the classes they want to take, just like at Japanese universities. Therefore, many students talked to me about their future, such as why they took that class, and what they want to study at university, and they were also interested in what I am studying at the university. During lunch, we were able to talk frankly as university students and high school students, regardless of nationality.
I was also able to hear about Estonian youth culture, trends, and other topics that are typical of high school students (Estonian youth also love SNS), and it was a very enjoyable time.
Unisex Restrooms
One of the most surprising things, when I walked around the school, was the restrooms: about three years ago, all the restrooms in the school were made unisex, and all the toilets can be used regardless of gender.
With children using unisex toilets on a daily basis in a school, there will be less resistance to being gender-free. We felt that introducing this system in an educational setting would have a significant role and meaning.
I was able to hear the real voices of Estonian youth by having the students show me around the school and talking with them while participating in classes. I was also happy to see that many of the students were interested in Japan. It was a very enjoyable and fulfilling time.
Thank you Tallinn English College!
Tallinn English College：https://tik.edu.ee/p/232-dp-in-tallinn-english-college