A Broader Perspective
From February 3rd to 6th 2025, we, two teachers from BBS II Stade, had the opportunity to participate in a job shadowing experience at our Estonian partner school, Järvamaa Kutsehariduskeskus in Paide. Over the course of four days, we gained fascinating insights into teaching methods, the Estonian education system, and the local culture.
Experiencing Teaching Firsthand
Our main focus was to explore the didactic and methodological approaches used in Estonian classrooms. We observed lessons in various subjects and even had the chance to teach our own classes in Business and English – of course, in English. We were particularly impressed by the high level of digitalization and the flexible lesson schedules, which allow students to work and learn in a more focused manner. In one of the logistics classes, we had the opportunity to get to know the simulation game "ChainSim". This interactive tool enables students to gain hands-on experience with logistical processes – a concept that could be valuable for our own teaching as well.
Professional Exchange and New Perspectives
Beyond the classroom, we engaged in in-depth discussions with our Estonian colleagues about topics such as attendance policies, compulsory schooling, and digitalization. It was fascinating to see how different – yet often similar – the challenges in both education systems are.
Exploring Estonian Culture
Of course, our visit wasn’t just about teaching. We took time to explore Paide and its surroundings, visited the Wittenstein Activity Museum, which offers an interactive journey through Estonian history, and tasted local specialties. We were especially impressed by Estonia’s strong connection to nature, which plays a significant role in daily life.
Alongside professional insights, we also brought back some Estonian language skills – from “Tere hommikust” (Good morning) to “Tänan/Aitäh” (Thank you).
Conclusion: A Valuable Experience
Our time in Paide was not only educational but also inspiring. The exchange with our Estonian colleagues provided us with valuable ideas for our own teaching, while at the same time allowing us to share our own experiences and knowledge.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Järvamaa Kutsehariduskeskus for their warm hospitality and the many valuable insights. We look forward to future collaborations!
Laura & Claudia
