| Date: February 28, 2005 | Volume: 2 | Issue: 7 | Issue Editor: Andrew Guenther |
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Russian Education System in Secondary Schools Although there are many similarities between the American and Russian education systems, there are also many differences. Especially with regard to high school students, I would venture to say their schedules are not only more variable and demanding, but also very unique and stimulating. Students may choose some courses, extracurriculars or electives, while exceptional students may also participate in accelerated after-school courses, such as the students we visit every Thursday. We take a bus at 4:00 PM to a nearby school to speak with students who excel in English language and have an interest in developing their lingual skills. I asked one of the students I speak with often to describe his schedule for me and he replied with one word, hectic. As he continued, I had to agree. The students generally take ten courses throughout their secondary education, and they do not work on the semester time line. For example, Alex, one of the students, is currently enrolled in Chemistry, Biology, Physics, English, German, Literature, History, Algebra, Geometry and special classes after school, one of which is Russian history.
Weston sits and chats with four of the Russian secondary school students at one of our weekly meetings While in American schools we have intensive courses, which are finished in a semester or year, the Russian students take many courses at a time and finish them all gradually. Their schedules change daily, and seem difficult to maintain. Alex could barely remember the courses he had taken the day before. For example, rather than a seven-course or even a set block schedule, their classes change day to day. One day they may have two hours of German, an hour of Algebra, three hours of Physics, to fit their needs and the needs of their teachers. Even homework is done a little differently here in Russia. Rather than doing projects and laboratory reports at home, they are done in the classroom. The homework they do consists mostly of exercises and what we would normally call “busy work”. One of the students I talked to told me that he never does his work at home and instead does it in class because it takes no time. This kind of schooling leaves little time for other activities, and most of their social interaction takes place at school. While some students play sports on teams, most simply do not have enough time to play formally. I asked a few of the students if they have boyfriends and girlfriends, and they replied that they don't have the time for that kind of activity either. Between school, special classes, homework, family time, and traveling, these kids are always busy. Overall, I don't think I can say one system of education is better or worse; both have their advantages and disadvantages. These students mature so quickly though. They are always polite, interested in learning, and helpful at our meetings. What we in America typically think of as rowdy, obnoxious fifteen-year-olds seem to be the epitome of maturity.
Weather or Not
January is the wrong month to come to Moscow. Yes, there are those beautiful nights when the city lights reflect off the large wet snowflakes and it feels like you are in a dream, but then you have to come back to reality the next morning. That next morning, you pull yourself out of the warm bed only to go on a cold frigid walk to the metro or the market. It’s so bad. Winter gets old after a few months. I suggest coming in summer so you can enjoy the outdoors and walk around in comfort rather than in a hurry to a heated sanctuary. So far, the last two months can be summed up as being cold or as cold and snowy. March 1 st was the first day of spring and ironically it was the coldest. Being from Nebraska it’s not a huge difference, but our more tropical states might have a different feeling. In Moscow, you have to walk everywhere, so warm clothes are a must. Otherwise, I guess you’ll just have to tough it out. If not, you will be miserable and won’t enjoy yourself unless you’re a polar bear. Another thing is the foggy days. After two weeks of not seeing the sun, finally having a sunny day, makes your day. Depression can happen relatively easy compared to home where every other day the sun shines. Lately, since we are in spring, the days have been getting warmer and the sun has been out much more. Winter can be dangerous in Moscow. Many people are injured every year to falling and slipping injuries. An icy sidewalk can be quite hard and embarrassing. Everyday you see someone fall and you want to laugh but don’t. You feel sorry for them as you remember the day before when you were picking yourself off the same sidewalk.
Education
Supply, demand, markets. One would think this is going to be a bore, but au contraire. As our first class, Agricultural Economics: The Global Food Market, it was quite good. It is not until now that I realized how much I learned. I, like most of the other American students, have had some sort of economics in their educational careers and found that through this new class, my knowledge was expanded and a new outlook was opened on the way food markets work. Dr. Ken Bailey, our professor from Penn State, structured the class into three parts, the first being Basics of Market Supply and Demand. This was an overview for those having never taken any type of economics previously. On the second part, Economics of the Food System from Farm to Retail, we learned about the complex markets relating to how food products get from farm and to the grocery store. Thirdly, was Evaluating Market Performance, which included market structures and introductions to agricultural futures including the World Trade Organization. Throughout his class, Dr. Bailey made sure that all the students understood the difficult topics by giving real world examples from his own experiences. This included everything from eating Moldavian sheep cheese to basic dairy farm operations. Not only were Dr. Bailey’s examples helpful, but the field trips he so meticulously planned were also. Through his class, we visited Dmitrov Dairy Farm, Taste of the Sun vegetable processing/packaging plant, and Wimm-Bill-Dann juice, mineral water and dairy processing facility. Overall, I feel that we all can say this class enriched our knowledge of day-to-day economics, and that we all learned quite a bit from Dr. Bailey’s class. He had enough enthusiasm for all of us combined and this definitely encouraged us to learn. This enthusiasm, I feel, will be what I remember best—long after the details of red and green box policies from the WTO Uruguay convention have been forgotten! |
Culture
The many faces of hand painted Matryoska dolls
Moscow is a city known for its spectacular cathedrals and daunting buildings. Many who have not experienced this city may be unaware of the great treasures that it bestows. Not only are there countless venues of kiosks lining every corner, but open markets display a wide array of souvenirs. The most popular souvenirs include Matryoska Dolls, wooden toys and brightly painted bowls and spoons. Many tourists find traditional Matryoska dolls to be the most beautiful. Today, these painted dolls display the faces of political figures, movie stars, cartoon characters, and even football players. Wooden trinkets, also known as “Bogorodskie” toys, are simple gifts that are hand crafted by local artisans. Brightly colored bowls and spoons known, as “Khokhloma” are very popular because of the bright lacquered colors that adorn each handcrafted spoon and bowl. Many of these traditional gifts portray the timeless style of Russian life. For example, during the late 18 th century artists in many villages such as Palekh, Fedoskino and Kholuy began to paint Russian fairytale figures on jewelry boxes. Now, venues all over the city sell these simple gifts called Palekh Boxes. For a mere 300 rubles, one may purchase these exquisite wooden or papier-mâché boxes. For a more expensive gift of 9000 rubles, one may purchase a more intricate lacquered box with Russian folklore adoring its cover.
An amber stall selling beads to make necklaces Today, artisans sell their goods for inexpensive prices. The best places to purchase gifts include Izmaylovo Market, souvenir shops on ultisa Arabat, and numerous open markets around the city. When the Soviet Union fell in the early 90’s, Soviet Memorabilia became a highly decorated souvenir. For only a few dollars, someone may purchase banknotes, coins, pins, belts, pocket watches, KGB posters, and even Red Army clothing. For those who wish to take home more of the traditional culture there are numerous chess sets, antique amber jewelry and various forms of caviar. Each souvenir displays a different and intricate history that surrounds the Russian culture. No matter if you are admiring Red Square, standing in Kremlin or simply touring Tverskaya— Matryoska dolls, ornate eggs and Gzhel pottery will always be there to admire and purchase.
Where does food really come from?
A few years ago I had an opportunity to visit an elementary school in Jonestown, a very small town in Pennsylvania. My primary goal was to help the young pupils understand the value of the agricultural industry. In an attempt to engage the students I asked the question, “Where does milk come from?” Steven, a young boy in the class, raised his hand immediately, as he knew he had the right answer. I called on him and with reassurance he said, “Milk comes from the store.” Although humorous in nature, Steven’s answer is one that indicates a greater problem that currently affects our world. Millions of Americans, regardless of gender, age, race or even social status, lack the necessary knowledge to understand the vast importance of agriculture. However, what about the rest of the world? Are consumers in other countries more informed about the agriculture industry? In an effort to find some answers to my questions, I asked my friend Simeon to help me interview a couple people in Moscow. We first talked to Lena Sokolova, a 28-year-old woman who has been selling pastries in a small kiosk near our hostel for almost three years. Although she grew up in a small agricultural village in Moldova, about four thousand miles south of Moscow, her views on agriculture could be considered rather limited. “Agriculture is farms, fields and very poor people,” she said. “I would never work in a farm because when I worked in a collective farm in Moldova, I didn’t make a lot of money,” she then added. After talking to her for a few minutes, her lack of interest regarding agriculture was quite evident. It was shocking to see how a person, who sells food and is therefore involved in the industry, had such little interest in agriculture.
On our way back to the hostel, we met Igor Kuznetsov, a 20-year-old student at Moscow State University. After learning that he’s a second year student in the faculty of Economics, I thought that perhaps he would be interested in to the economic aspects of the agriculture industry. When we asked him about it he said, “Doesn’t it have to do with cows, potatoes… maybe candy bars?” Igor simply seemed to have no appreciation for agriculture. He believes that “there is no point on studying agriculture”, as the better paying jobs are found in other industries. We interviewed several other individuals, but their responses were all similar. Only a few of them understood the value of agriculture. Furthermore, none of them intended to pursue a career in the industry! After talking to all of these individuals one can understand why a third grader would reply the way Steven responded to my question a few years ago. Lack of agricultural knowledge is a common problem not only in America, but all around the globe. Regardless, agriculture will continue to be an industry we all depend upon.
Questions? Comments? E-mail Us! Pictures courtesy of: |
Snowy walk on the way to the MSAU
Dr. Bailey instructs and Nina and Lena about farm production shares
Looking over the rolling fields of lettuce at Timiryazevskaya Seeds production greenhouse