No Child Left ... Interested in Education

I knew that many things were going to be different in Italy. Most of all, I expected the food, the language (of course), and other cultural bits here and there. School, though, is probably the most significant difference between Italy and the United States.

The superficial disparities, such as using chalkboards as opposed to dry-erase boards, hand-writing our essays instead of typing them, and staying in the same classroom all day rather than moving around to your teachers’ rooms definitely are the first aspects that get noticed. But now, over two months into the Italian school system, I have discovered some other, more consequential differences between Italian and American high schools. For the most part, these fall under the categories of curriculum and teacher-student interaction – the combination of which makes an immense difference in the level of interest and engagement of the students.

 

[DISCLAIMER] Let me start off by saying that the following comments reflect my knowledge on two high schools – namely, Summit High School in Frisco, Colorado, USA and Liceo Scientifico Paolo Lioy in Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. I am very much aware that there is no such thing as the “average” school in America or in Italy. I have also heard that a school in the southern regions of Italy is typically going to be a lot more lax on grading and procedure than their northern counterpart, where I am. To all of you who read this and are somehow involved in the education system (either in America or Italy): please do not be offended. These are my observations, and I would like to make it clear that I have no problem with the people involved in the system, but rather, the system as a whole. If you disagree with me, please provide your insight by commenting at the bottom of the page. [END DISCLAIMER]

If you ask me, the main problem with the Italian school system is that teachers do not feel the need to engage the students in their lessons, thus boring them half to death and making them lose interest in learning. For the most part, Italian schools teach facts and expect the students to learn and know them, as opposed to American schools where students learn a piece of general knowledge and then go off and do their own research to bring back to the class discussion. Memorization is a key part of Italian curriculums, while in the United States I cannot remember the last time I was required to learn anything by heart. At least to my perspective, this is not a good technique. In Italy, students generally learn (and memorize) a myriad of excerpts, dates, people, figures, formulas, and a whole bunch of other facts in order to be able to recite them back to the teacher. On the other hand, American students do not necessarily memorize information, but are trained to conduct research, discuss, and analyze information that is available. Italian high-schoolers study vigorously what is written in the book and what the teacher has said, while their American counterparts do not take as much from teachers, but rather formulate their own ideas and present them to the class. Even in our Italian literature class, instead of examining the text and analyzing in on our own, the teacher dictates her perspective while students copy down the information to then study and recite back on the test. As Albert Einstein said, “Education is what is left after you’ve forgotten everything you’ve learned”. It is nearly impossible for students to remember all the facts that are studied in high school (most of which can now be found easily with a vast array of resources), so after forgetting all of these figures and facts, students in Italy will have essentially gained nothing from their education. In America, on the other hand, we write research papers (which are pretty much unheard of in Italian high schools), present information to our classmates (also unheard of – in Italy, only teachers teach), and are taught how to hold a respectable discussion. By being trained in these unforgettable life skills, American students gain what Einstein would call an “education”.

I also believe that the lack of respect given to Italian students by the large majority of teachers comes across poorly, resulting in a further deficiency in student interest in academics. In America, it is well-regarded to have a pleasant debate with a teacher about most any relative topic, as this practice enhances the knowledge of everyone involved. In Italy, though, grades are almost entirely subjective, so if you have even the slightest disagreement with a professor, there goes your grade for the semester. I will mention that not all teachers are like that, but most are. It is my belief that without free interchange of ideas, any attempt at learning is futile, for without new ideas being formulated, there is no progress. Also, I feel that since students in the United States can generally chose what classes they want to take, they therefore make a greater effort and are more inclined to participate. Here, instead, one chooses what track they will do in their first year of high school, and take the classes laid out for them. Regarding the grades being subjective, they also tend to be skewed downward in comparison with American grades. They do go off of a 10 point scale, as opposed to our percentage, but that is beside the point. For example, a “good” student in the United States will have mainly A’s with a few B’s in the mix. Here, students rejoice upon receipt of a 7 + which translates to roughly a 76% - a solid C and not very characteristic of a “good student”. The mentality among students here is generally that of striving to get la sufficenza – or the minimum passing grade, a 6. And while grades below about 50% are next to nonexistent in the objective American system, every now and then, Italian students will receive the dreaded 2 or 3, despite answering more than 70% of the questions correctly. If you ask me, this does not push the student to try harder and study more, but rather discourages him or her (but usually him) to have the mentality of “Why study if I get a 2 either way?”.

Yes, that is a chalkboard. And a cross.

Because of these skewed grading philosophies, I usually get asked if school is easier in the United States, and I find it hard to reply. The simplest answer is “No, but it is easier to get a better grade.” This idea is completely incomprehensible to most people, since they believe that school is about getting a high grade. I try and explain that, while in Italy, students memorize everything to get their grades, we analyze and formulate ideas. Just how I am not well-adapted to the Italian system, I would be willing to say that the average Italian would not be able to do that well in the American system of essay-writing and text analysis (but would still pass the class). [I would like to give a shout-out to Mafy here, since she seems to have embraced the American school system, and is excelling at Summit High School.]  I like to use History class as a good example of the curricular differences between the American classroom and the Italian one. In America, we have a great mix of projects, movies, research papers, and activities that help us grasp historical concepts and how they relate to one another, to then be able to apply these processes in a different context. In Italy, on the other hand, the teacher stands at the chalkboard, writing down dates and names, battles and treaties, while we copy down into our notebooks to study for our interrogations. Yes, that’s right – interrogations. In every class, one of the testing methods is an oral test either alone or in a group of two or three. Do not get me wrong, I love my history class here, especially because the content is interesting and the professor really knows how to explain it very well. But I realize that in ten years, looking back, I will not remember that in 1673 the Test Act was passed in England (what we need to know in Italy), but I will remember that there was a lack of religious liberties in England in the 17^th century and that it impacted other events (what we learn in the United States).

I would really like to read your comments on this post, whether they are for or against. Remember that discussion is the best way to learn. Wait, not learn – instead “be educated”. There we go, now we won’t forget it, Also, happy Thanksgiving to all – I would be very thankful if you would click on the “Follow” link on my right sidebar so you can subscribe to my blog! 

The truth about pizza

Alright, I am not going to claim that I am a pizza expert, for that could be a bit pompous. But I will try and tell you the truth about pizza – a truth that might surprise some.

First of all, whatever our personal belief on how and where pizza was invented is most likely wrong, since it is hard to define “pizza” and there are no accurate historical records regarding this admired chow. It can generally be agreed upon that pizza originated in the Mediterranean, with most people claiming the Italian peninsula as the birthplace. This is a fairly reasonable assertion, though some theories maintain that pizza is derived from the Greek plankuntos, the Jewish matzoth, or Phoenician flatbread. Some etymologists even claim that the Italian word pizza comes from the Latin pinsa, which means flatbread.

One fact is definitely known – that the main ingredients in what is one of the most quintessentially Italian dishes are not exactly Italian. The introduction of the Indian water buffalo allowed the manufacture of mozzarella cheese, a compulsory ingredient in any genuine pizzeria. Up until the discovery of the Americas, Italian cuisine lacked one ingredient which now is considered standard – the tomato. Even for centuries after, Italians believed our plump red friend to be poisonous, hence tomatoes were used solely as a decorative piece, until some meager Neapolitans started getting gastronomically adventurous, eventually putting tomatoes on their pizza.  Thus, pizza began to gain popularity with the street vendors of Naples in the early 19^th century, and in 1830, the “Antica Pizzeria Port'Alba” was established as the world’s first pizzeria.

Fifty-nine years later, in 1889, it is said that Raffaele Esposito became the “Father of Modern Pizza” when he created a patriotic pizza for Italy’s Queen Margherita. This pie was specially decorated with red tomato sauce, white mozzarella di buffala cheese, and green basil which not only represented the colors of Italy, but became a favorite of the Queen and all of Italy, making it what is now considered the “original” pizza. Now, it is affectionately named pizza margherita.

Now, you may ask, how did America receive pizza? The most accepted hypothesis states that Italian immigrants from Naples brought over their native fare to New York at the beginning of the 1900’s. In the next century, it would evolve into dozens of different varieties ranging from the Chicago deep-dish to the New Haven white pie with clams to the tropical Hawaiian pizza. America has embraced this interesting culture of pizza willingly, and now pizza has become a staple in the average American’s diet.

The variety in toppings on American pizzas is truly outstanding, spanning all food groups from anchovies to pineapple to even SPAM. But here in Italy I have definitely found the strangest of all – French fries. Usually the advice is “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”, but whenever you get offered French fries on your pizza, please say no. It is truly schifosa, as the Italians would say.

Che schifo! This is in no way as good as it looks. The French fries were soggy. DISCLAIMER: In no way am I saying that Italian pizza is not good - quite the contrary actually. Just this pizza was no good.

Also, whenever you go to an Italian pizzeria, you order one pizza person. The pizza is very thin and not extraordinarily large, so it is one per person. This is the usual way to get pizza in Italy, though it is possible to find pizza d’asporto (pizza to-go). Usually, these places sell either whole pizzas (American-style), or pizza al trancio which means pizza by the slice. Pizza al trancio can usually also be found at a bakery, but usually these are a thicker species pre-made that morning that have to be reheated (once again, do not do like the Romans do). 

I am lucky in that I can say that I have eaten pizza in notable places, especially New York City and Naples. Of course, these two experiences are among the best I’ve ever had exploring the realm of pizza, but the pizza I had in New Haven, Connecticut eclipses them all. If you ask me, Frank Pepe’s Pizzeria Napoletana  in New Haven’s Wooster Square is the best pizza in the world. If you would like to prove me wrong, I am more than happy to accept your invitation (including airfare and lodging) to wherever you claim is the best. 

Now this is what I'm talking about! The Original Tomato Pie from Frank Pepe's in New Haven.

The last two weeks ... and a flood

I am really sorry I have not written in so long. I have been busy with school and other things and just haven't found the time to write in about two weeks.

So where do I start? Two Saturdays ago, instead of doing the usual outing with my friends from school., I took the bus to Bassano and spent the night at one of the other exchange student's house. The next day, we went together to the Rotary Youth Exchange orientation lunch at a "cantina" near Udine. I had always thought of a cantina as a Mexican restaurant-bar, but it is actually the Italian word for "basement" meaning that this place was a wine cellar. Upon arriving, we met all of the Rotarians in charge of the Youth Exchange program in Italy and once all of the other exchange students arrived, we sat down for business. The first half of this event was dedicated to the explanation of the rules and expectations Rotary had for us as exchange students, as well as the guidelines for our host clubs and families. After that we each stood up and introduced ourselves and said where we were from and where we were living. In turn, we each received a small gift. After that, we were given a tour of the establishment and shown how their wine was made. It was basically the same process that we used at home a month ago, but in much larger quantities. As we made our way back into the restaurant, one of the girls told me that the gift they had given us was a scarf. I was sure she was kidding because a few weeks earlier in Trieste, I had expressed my refusal to ever wear a scarf. Once we got inside and I opened the gift, I couldn't help but laugh at the blue fleece Rotary scarf that was in there.

My blue Rotary blazer with some of my newly acquired pins and the blue Rotary scarf. 

That night, I went back to Bassano and watched a Serie B basketball game. Here are some pictures of semi-pro basketball.

I thought they only waved flags in the crowd at soccer games.
The sign on the left reads, "You with the heart, we with the voice."

At school, we had our first periodic row shift, where every group of students moves back a row, relocating me from the comfortable back row to the very front seat.

Sometime last week - I don't remember exactly when - we started to see snow on top of the mountains.

You can see snow on the top of the Dolomites on clear days.

On Sunday, it was Osvaldo's (my host brother) birthday and we went out to eat to an agriturismo which is a restaurant located on a farm which makes all of its ingredients. The farm where we went grows lots of potatoes and is known for its gnocchi. We also had some game hunted on that property. The wine, of course, was also made there.
Yesterday was All Saint's Day, which meant we had the day off from school. We went to church and then made a trip to the house where my host dad grew up, near Treviso. Here we ate a large lunch at my host grandmother's house and then went to the town cemetery to pay our respects to my host dad's late father. At about that time, it started to rain pretty hard. We had to drive back to Verona to drop off Giuditta for her return flight to Madrid. She had come home for the long weekend, but had to go back to college. Unfortunately, when we arrived to Vicenza, the traffic on highway to Verona (where the airport is) was not moving. She would've missed her flight had we tried to drive there, so instead we left her at the train station, which ended up working out fine.
As we made our way back home, we started to see how bad the flooding was. The government officials directing traffic told us it was going to be near impossible to make it home, but that it was only going to get worse as the night went on. We went for it. As we were wading (can cars wade?) through the river-street we could see cars stuck beside us, but luckily we made it across safely. Once we got to the house, we realized how lucky we were to live on top of a hill, for the river that passes below looked like a large lake and the town had to be evacuated. Luckily it got better overnight, but school is still canceled for tomorrow as it was today. Here are some pictures.

"Boats beware, swimming deer can cross at any time."

I feel sorry for these, and tons of other people, whose basements and first floors are flooded. Also, this is a very cool Halloween-ish picture.

What used to be the Bacchiglione River is now Lake Bacchiglione.

Today's newpaper. Translation of the title: "A disaster: Vicenza and half the province under water."  They said that last night, over 3,000 people were displaced because of the flood and at least two have gone missing. 

Also, I forgot to mention that I was planning on going to Venice with some other exchange students and some friends from school, but that got canceled because it is probably not smart to go to a city that is usually flooded anyhow during a flood.