New Perspectives in Science Education

This presentation stems from the nature notes reciprocal learning program that took place in two sister schools between Canada and China and lasted for three years. This cross-cultural learning program involved a combination of in and outside classroom activities and blends the informal (outdoor observations) and formal learning experiences (in-class research). Students conducted nature observations in their local communities, and based on these observations, students completed their projects step by step in a group or individually. Video conferencing regularly takes place between the schools for participating teachers and students to exchange ideas and sharing works. This study does not aim at comparing students’ achievements but explore participating teachers’ and students’ international collaborative experience and the impact the program has on both teachers and students who participated in this unique teaching and learning journey. The research team accumulated many kinds of data, which can be summarized in three types: documentary data, observation data, and interview data. Data reveals that participating teachers and students had very positive learning experiences through the program. They learned from each other in terms of knowledge of the local culture, nature, and climate, pedagogical practice, and ways of student learning.