University Update

I can hardly believe it, but the second semester is already over! My classes finished a week ago Thursday and now I’m writing my second semester term papers – three of them at 4,000 words each – just like last semester. Speaking of which, I finally got all my papers back from the first semester and I’m happy to report that I achieved all A’s! One was for my research methods course, and we were required to write about a group mini-research project that was conducted throughout the semester. The second was a comparative study between teaching styles in Armenia, and the third was about how international agencies and global education agendas are impacting the Armenian education system, particularly the manner of assessment.

This semester, I am writing, again, largely about Armenia’s education system and new policy changes: One paper about the new combined school-leaving and university entrance examination, and a second about the expansion of secondary school from 10 to 12 years. The third paper is on a completely different topic, for a course titled “race, ethnicity and education”. I plan to look at education of refugees, particularly the barriers to their success in school (like interrupted learning time, dislocation and adjustment to a new education system, and language barriers). There is a large Somali population here in Bristol, and I plan to take this group on as a small case study. The first two papers, I aim to complete before the baby’s arrival, while the last paper I will ask for an extension, hoping to submit it in May.

So, I’m trying to stay comfortable in front of the computer as I type these first two papers up before the baby arrives. Then, I’ll take a break for awhile and get back into the swing of things at the end of April. At that time, I will have to begin writing my dissertation proposal, along with writing my third term paper as well as a book review, which I’ve been invited to write for an international education journal. Lots to accomplish, but you know Jason and I – we like to keep busy!

Here’s a picture of me with some classmates at a small, end-of-term dinner we had last week. In front are Wing from Hong Kong and Gina from Korea, in the middle is Pi-Yin from Taiwan, and in the back with me is Shawanda from Jamaica.