Global Literacy Field Experience

This program is the result of a strong, collaborative partnership forged between the Indiana University School of Education in Indianapolis and the Escuela Normal Fronteriza Tijuana (ENFT), made possible by the IU Global Gateway México. The primary goal of this collaboration is to integrate a cross-cultural virtual and physical learning exchange to enhance pre-service and practicing teachers' understanding of diverse educational contexts. By placing students in an immersive global context, the program aims to strengthen participants' pedagogical skills, promote deep cultural competence, and foster a shared commitment to equitable, "glocal" education.

The Global Literacy Field Experience program provides IU Indianapolis pre-service and practicing teachers with a transformative experience aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). Because the majority of English Learners in Indiana's K–12 public schools are native Spanish speakers with roots in México and Central America, this program directly connects teachers' local classrooms to the international heritage of their students. This short-term model provides crucial travel flexibility for working students pursuing teacher certification who might otherwise have limited availability for long-term travel.

Program Structure: A Three-Phase Exchange

The program is structured across a single Spring semester to integrate virtual collaboration with hands-on on-site practice:

Phase 1: Virtual Exchange (Zoom sessions)

Embedded directly into methods courses L421 and L521: Second Language & Literacy Instruction for K-12, students are paired into teams (comprising students from IU Indianapolis and ENFT) to engage in critical collaborative inquiry.

  • Contextual Research: Students investigate a critical literacy issue in their local U.S. context, sharing and analyzing similarities and differences with their partners in México during an Educational Context Seminar.
  • Pedagogical Preparation: Participants design an Interactive Read Aloud Lesson Plan utilizing key tenets of critical literacy and language development, which they will implement during the program.

Phase 2: In-Person Study Abroad Experience (1 Week over IU Indy Spring Break)

As an optional, in-person travel component, students from IU Indianapolis and ENFT will meet in México City, where they will apply their virtual exchange learning in host schools and university seminars.

  • Practicum Placements: Students spend 6.5 academic hours observing, co-teaching, and delivering their pre-planned Interactive Read Aloud lesson directly to local K-12 students.
  • Glocal Seminars: Students spend 6 academic hours in seminars and professional dialogue with local educators and university peers from ENFT, analyzing cross-contextual insights and pedagogical adaptations for teaching English as a new language.
  • Cultural Immersion: Guided excursions connect educational realities to broader societal and cultural frameworks.

Phase 3: Post-Program Synthesis and Implementation

Upon return to Indianapolis, students solidify their learning:

  • ePortfolio Showcase: Students document and share their instructional adaptations, lesson designs, and cultural reflections.
  • Reflection & Assessment: Pre- and post-program surveys assess growth in intercultural competence, and online forums support continued networking with Mexican educator peers.

Academic Credit & Pathways

Participating students will be enrolled in one of two pathways within the Urban Teacher Education Department's ENL License Addition Program:

  1. L421 / L521: Second Language & Literacy Development (3 Credit Hours)
    • Core Certification Requirement: Foundational methods course leading to ESL certification (undergraduate licensure sequence or graduate M.S.Ed. Language Education track).
    • Course Modality: Online synchronous via Zoom
    • Embedded Virtual Exchange: Features the 6–8 week online exchange with partners in México.
  2. EDUC-F401 (undergraduate) or W500 (graduate): Global Literacy Field Experience (1 Credit Hour)
    • Specialized Elective: Designed specifically for School of Education students not currently enrolled in L421/L521 who still wish to join the Spring Break travel to México.
    • Requirements: 12.5 total academic contact hours fulfilled via pre-departure workshops and on-site practicum/seminars.

Note: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing (minimum 2.7 GPA) and have completed their Pre-Block coursework to participate.

Cultural Excursions and Itinerary

Our curriculum integrates the rich cultural history and vibrant spirit of México City directly into its pedagogy. Cultural engagement activities may include:

  • Salsa Dancing Lesson: A private class detailing the history, culture, and rhythm of salsa.
  • Mexican Heart Making Workshop (corazón con milagros): A hands-on craft workshop exploring traditional Mexican folk art and symbolism.
  • National Museum of Anthropology: Deep historical context on Mesoamerican cultures.
  • Pyramids of Teotihuacán: A guided historical and architectural tour of this sacred archaeological site.
  • Frida Kahlo Museum (Casa Azul): An intimate look at the home, life, and work of Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera in Coyoacán.
  • Xochimilco Canal Boat Ride: A traditional trip on Trajinera boats highlighting local agriculture and history.
  • Basilica de Guadalupe & Chapultepec Castle: Key historical and architectural landmarks of México City.
  • Local Markets: Guided tours of the lively Sonora and San Juan markets to experience local commerce.