Education in Nicarauga

Every Monday morning the students (in their uniforms) start off in an assembly singing the National, educational and school anthems, followed by a speech from the principal about the values expected in each student. Each grade level is divided into sections with which the students attend all classes in their assigned room. They stay put and different teachers come to them to give class. Many classes have up to 50 students with one teacher. The rooms are small, so there is not room for activities and little room even for the teacher to walk around and monitor. With so many students crammed into a room combined with the outside temperature, the situation quickly turns from hot to miserable. Students have to decide whether to write in their notebooks or fan themselves with it.

Due to the lack of space and the absence of books, much of the class is spent copying information from the board or listening to a lecture. Sometimes teachers are asked to teach two or three classrooms at the same time. This happens when another teacher does not come to school and their class is unattended. No money exists to hire substitutes, so either the students have a free period or another teacher has to cover an additional class.

There are two shifts at the school to accommodate the number of students. Students in grades 7-8 come to school from 7am to 12pm, and students in grades 9-11 come from 12:30-5:30pm. There is no lunchroom, only a snack stand that sells chips, sodas, and typical Nicaraguan home-cooked food at break times. Each class is taught twice a week, one 90 minute class and one 45minute class. They have the same classes all year (February through November). If they fail a class, they must take a make-up test at the beginning of the following February. If they pass, they move on to the next grade, but if not they remain in the same grade for all their classes.

To go to public University (which are all free), students must take an entrance exam. In 2008, 2% of Nicaraguan high school seniors passed it. Most students who want to attend a university must pay to enroll in a private one. Oftentimes, the quality of education received here is subpar, because anyone can enter and as long as they pay, they advance.


I have seen some differences between teaching in the U.S. and Nicaragua. In Nicaragua:

•The students are in the habit of sharing information in all activities, including quizzes and test.

•Importance is put on neatness, not correctness. A straight line is never drawn without a ruler and their handwriting is usually remarkable, but oftentimes the information is faulty.

•Students rarely do more than recite and memorize. Problem solving is difficult for them.

There are also similarities among students. They usually:

• Want to be stylish.
• Smile, laugh, and have fun.
• Groan when a quiz or test is mentioned.
• Are eager to please.