The Scottish and Spanish educational systems are in many ways very similar. Often the problems faced by students, teachers and parents reflect the times we live in. For example, In today´s modern society many students face issues related to technology and the effect it has on learning. We will examine these issues using the following questions.

Miss Naoimi, Cruz de Piedra Language Assistant, answered all of them:

What are the main differences you see between the Spanish and Scottish classrooms?

I believe the first difference that is noticeable is classroom size (the amount of pupils in each class.) In Spain, the classes are a little bit bigger, with on average 5 more students than Scottish schools.  It is often more of a challenge for teachers to involve the entire class, and to captivate everyone´s attention. However, I have seen examples of Spanish teachers planning ahead to make the most of their own time, and that of their students.

What different roles does technology play in Spanish and Scottish Schools?

All the time, the use of technology is becoming more common in workplaces, social spaces, and indeed everyday life. Because of this it is very important students engage with technology in schools, in order to help them prepare for adult life.  Spain offers a range of courses in schools aimed at teenagers which take advantage of modern technology, particularly the internet and computers, certain high schools offer exclusively digital teaching.  While Scottish schools make use of technology frequently, I feel Spanish schools offer a wider range of digital programs.

What typical problems do Spanish and Scottish students have?

All over the world, being a teenager and finding your place in the world is a difficult task, often students from Spain and Scotland face the same issues. These issues may be bullying, mental health problems, and social problems. In Scotland, and indeed Spain,  it is the case that the internet can help but also hinder a child in school. For example, Scotland has seen a rise in cyber bullying which can have devastating effects. In Scotland, the government is developing methods to educate pupils on the consequences of misuse of the internet for their futures, and those of their classmates.  

What advice would you give to Spanish students?

I would advise students to take advantage of all the facilities available to them, and to remember that their school is their space, to change for the better. For example, if you think you can make a positive change to your school, through activism, then you should try to do it.