Job shadowing in Latvia took place between 15 and 17 April 2019. Four teachers visited Dobele State Gymnazium and shadowed the classroom work of their teachers.

We observed Geography, History and English class as well as programming lesson. Folowing the lessons, we had a reflection discussion with the local teachers. Some similarities and differences were spotted. 

The school building is old and the classrooms are small. A whole new STEM department building is being built. The equipment is quite good. Each classroom has either a smartboard or a computer and overhead projector. Latvian education system has a good quality control system. Their schools are ranked according to their students' achievements and success shown in different competitions. Their teachers are rewarded accordingly. 

Students have 6-7 lessons a day. Each lesson is usually organized in blocks. There is a school canteen where students can have a 40-minute lunch break. Foreign lessons are organized in groups where students are divided in levels according to their knowledge and performance. This means that two classes of in total 60 students have English lessons organized in four classrooms with four diferent teachers. 

Lesson plan

Photo album

Dobele State Gymnasium

In front of the school

Attending the English lesson

In Dobele

At Tervete Nature Park

Rundale Palace

More about the visit