International Professional Development Schools

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  Social-Emotional Learning Integration in Italian Classrooms

  Rachael Blair

  This study examines how social-emotional learning (SEL) is integrated into Italian classrooms. Specifically, what types of SEL goals, activities, or practices are implemented within the curriculum. The methods used to collect data included reading and analyzing the blogs of other participants of IPDS Siena. Prior to my travels, during my time in Siena, and after returning to the United States, I wrote my own blog posts that have allowed me to reflect on the SEL techniques used in my mentor teacher’s classroom. I also collected field notes while in the school to evaluate how my mentor incorporated and prioritized social emotional learning in her classroom. I conversed with her to gather information on more ways social emotional learning is being applied in other parts of the school year as well as other classrooms in addition to what I had seen in my own placement.

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  Career Exploration Opportunities for DP Students

  Kelsey Chubb

  This study examined the differences in American school systems at the high school level to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) . This study looked at student exposure to extensive amount of information on career clusters, future job options, and life pathways. Although core curriculum in United States schools such as mathematics, science, and English prepare students for common core assessments and state testing, high schools need to spend more time in career exploration for students tailored to their own interests. “A national survey commissioned by The Hunt Institute found that a solid majority of parents of school age children (64 percent) and especially parents of high school students (71 percent) believe having programs and courses that teach job skills for future workforce needs is very important.” (Siddiqi, 2022) The purpose of my research is to show how business classes with a guided and controlled curriculum can be beneficial by guiding students to utilize project-based learning and internships to set themselves up for secondary education or the workforce in a career they are interested in.

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  Benefits of Fostering a Multicultural Classroom Community

  Natalie Gang

  Through Buffalo State University’s IPDS (International Professional Development Schools), I gained experience student teaching at the International School of Siena for 8 weeks in Siena, Italy. This study explored if and how multiple cultures and student backgrounds are integrated into the classroom and the benefits of doing so. Examining how that is done at the International School of Siena, a school with students from various countries, can demonstrate the positive impact of fostering a multicultural classroom community. The results of this research would be beneficial to schools in the United States, as culturally responsive teaching can enhance the learning experience of both the student and teacher.

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  Teaching History at an International School with a culturally diverse student body

  Orianne Simon

  In Siena Italy, my peers and I did research that was conducted in and outside of The International School of Siena. To expand our teaching careers and experiences. My research focused on how teachers teach history curriculum in international schools, where diversity has a significant impact since students travel from all over the world to gain an education. The role of the IB International education is significant in my research to understand how a diverse student body alters the teaching of history and how the curriculum ensures inclusivity for all students without compromising their educational experience.

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  Cultural Differences in Teachers’ Perceptions of Classroom Aggression

  Olivia Bell

  Understand the differing teacher perceptions of relational and physical aggression between the Dominican Republic and the United States. Understand the differences in culture, collectivism versus individualism, between the Dominican Republic and the United States.

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  The Journey of Special Education in Montessori Schools

  Hailee Cipollina

  I am an Exceptional Education major and I’ve always had a passion for learning more about special education. When I found out I was traveling to the Dominican Republic with our International Professional Development School (IPDS) program, I knew I wanted to look at the differences in their special education services and supports that are provided in their Montessori schools and the services and supports provided at a Montessori school in Buffalo.

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  Dominican Republic: Classroom Behavior & Management

  Janinna Farragher

  Behavior and Classroom Management strategies are very impactful educational tools that teachers can use to promote a safe, healthy, and well-rounded classroom environment. When teachers are properly trained to carry out these strategies, they are more likely to have better responses with student engagement and a better ability to deliver appropriate positive or negative consequences. A short-term study regarding teacher and administration perspectives on Behavior and Classroom Management strategies was conducted in schools in Cabarete, Dominican Republic. After interviewing the teachers and administrators, a questionnaire was given to participants asking questions about training, preferences, and strengths and weaknesses in a teacher’s classroom and behavior management strategies. I also conducted observation in the classrooms. The findings of these data will be summarized and will focus on understanding the classroom behavior and management strengths and weaknesses in the Dominican Republic.

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  Child Maltreatment & Teachers Views in the Dominican Republic

  Grace Gallagher

  This study focuses on the knowledge/training teachers have when it comes to child abuse/maltreatment the services provided in the United States and how it differs from the Dominican Republic. It is important for teachers to understand and provide the necessary resources to prevent child maltreatment. There has been little to no previous research done in the Dominican Republic regarding this topic. However, social services appear to be emerging in the Dominican Republic (Parada, Moffatt, Duval, 2007). Additionally, prior research in the U.S. has focused on the knowledge of child abuse and reporting of teachers. For instance, a study conducted in Florida used the Educators and Child Abuse Questionnaire to evaluate early childhood educators’ self�reported knowledge regarding “signs and symptoms of child abuse, reporting procedures, and legal aspects” (Dinehart & Kenny, 2015). It was found that many were unsure of the legal aspects of reporting child abuse,but most have had training, as well as knowledge related to child maltreatment.

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  Benefits of Rhythmic Musical Chanting Used As a Strategy for English Language Learning

  Cameron Juzdowski

  In January 2023 a cohort of eight Buffalo State education students and two professors travelled to Torremaggiore Italy as part of the IPDS Italy Program. This three weeklong program encourages teacher candidates to learn about education practices in Italy. This study examined the benefits that teacher candidates can gain while instructing students whose first language is not English. Specifically, I wondered what happens when rhythmic musical chanting is used as a strategy for English language learning?

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  Behavior Management Systems in American and Italian Schools

  Shania Mitchell

  This is qualitative study examined the behavior management systems used by elementary school teachers practicing in Italy to determine how behavioral management strategies may change based on geographical location. The primary research question was: How does behavior management vary in Italian schools versus American schools? Information was gathered through structured interviews with teachers in both countries; field notes were taken while students were interacting in various environments such as classroom, gymnasium and hallways. Information from the blogs of members of my peer’s cohort were also analyzed. Implications for this research may include positive practices in behavior management that can be applied to future classrooms of my own and shared with my educational colleagues and peers.

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  Teacher’s knowledge/training of Child Maltreatment in the Dominican Republic

  Andrea Newell and Emily Newell

  The purpose of this study was to learn more about the Dominican Republic’s definition of child maltreatment, the types of maltreatment recognized and the services provided for child maltreatment.

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  Mental Health Issues Among Children and Adolescents in the Dominican Republic

  Alyssia Schwab

  Approximately 20% of children and adolescents in the United States have documented mental health issues. However, although we know that about 90% of children with mental health concerns come from low- and middle-income countries, there is very little information regarding the prevalence of mental health issues among children and adolescents living in the Dominican Republic.

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  International Professional Development Torremaggiore, Italy

  Ella Sturm

  Introduction: I had the incredible opportunity to study abroad through the International Professional Development Program (IPDS) in Torremaggiore, Italy. This program allows students to travel to other countries to gain knowledge and experience multiculturalism. Not only did this almost three week trip allow myself to experience just that, I also grew professionally, academically and personally throughout this teaching opportunity in Italy. Immersing myself into a new culture has also helped me meet new people, experience new perspectives/cultural norms, strengthen my ability to adapt, and develop a greater sense of cultural awareness.

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  Student Teaching Abroad: What benefits do teacher candidates report after the international experience?

  Jennifer Greene

  With international student teaching opportunities available for preservice teachers in many undergraduate and graduate education programs, it is relevant to understand what the benefits are of traveling abroad. More importantly, in what ways can this type of experience help teacher candidates upon returning from an international student teaching experience. The purpose of this research is to learn how international experience can benefit teacher candidates. This research can help determine what elementary classroom practices regarding cultural diversity are implemented in the U.S. elementary classroom upon return. This research will provide relevant information for teacher candidates to weight the benefits of the international experience. With elementary schools in the U.S. becoming more diverse, teacher candidates much develop strategies to teach these students appropriately and adequately.

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  IB and Special Education: An Italian Case Study

  Marita Miller

  During the spring of 2023 semester I had the opportunity to travel with Dr. Renzoni and IPBS to Italy where I completed my student teaching. The program encourages teacher candidates to enhance their teaching experience through not only a different culture but in an Inquiry Based school. This study will examine the differences and similarities of American and Italian IB special education. Specifically, what techniques, strategies, and politics of special education are present in an Italian international IB school. What can learn from this different approach to education and what aspects we can iterate into the American classroom.