In looking at consequences of learning about the international early childhood field, for my final blog assignment, becomes somewhat difficult. I unfortunately was not able to contact any professionals internationally, however when visiting various websites, I gained a large amount of knowledge for which I would not have had if it wasn’t for these assignments. I was unaware of the resources or websites provided but it also provided me with insight of what really goes on in other places that I wouldn’t normally know about. I also learned quite a bit from my colleagues and their experiences with their interactions and conversations. I have to say that the information I got from reading my fellow classmates’ blogs were probably more beneficial then anything, probably because they were personal experiences and personal conversations, which I found “hit more home” to me then a website.
I think that learning more about international issues are beneficial because of a few reasons; to understand the social aspects of each culture or background when a child and their family of another culture or background comes into your classroom or under your care. Another is to know what issues are severe or not when visiting that country, or by chance if you have to do some professional work with dealing with certain international organizations or other professionals, it is also helpful to be educated on the goings on internationally.
I’m sure that even internationally we should all be knowledgeable when it comes to education, poverty, health care, etc, because if there is a possibility of dealing with those countries first hand and how to handle social aspects of interacting with those countries; like if they are similar to what we are used to or if not, we would have to accommodate ourselves to their culture, social atmosphere or educational level. Regardless, international awareness is not given the attention it deserves and being aware is an asset that everyone can benefit from and possibly take advice from or whatever works for one country, might help solve a problem in another.
Reading about various issues throughout this course on an international level has been a very enlightening experience for me as well and in some ways, contributes to my passion for advocacy in these serious issues, both locally and now internationally. I’d like to truly thank my colleagues/classmates for sharing their experiences with this assignment throughout the eight weeks, and for helping me see a little bit into the life of an individual, professional, child, and any person living in these different places all over the world. I hope to take on a personal international endeavor in the future, whatever that may be, not sure, but the idea is very intriguing.
I am sorry you were not able to connect with an international contact. It definitely was not as easy as I had thought it would be. I was very fortunate to have been able to do this but it did take more time than I had thought.
ReplyDeleteI loved working/learning with you and hope to see you in other courses during our educational journey.
I also have broadened my view of issues which are outside of my own area through this course. Though I have known of some from what the exchange students have told me over the years, it is very important for me to continue with my communication with my international contacts in the future as well.
As I continue to learn I will continute to believe we each can make a difference. In an ideal world, it would be easy to have a classroom which can meet the needs of the increasingly changing demographics in the classroom. Until then, the best teaching practices are those that consider all learners in a classroom setting which pays close attention to the differences inherent to academic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity (Santamaria, 2009).
Great Post!
Reference
Santamaria, L. J. (2009). Culturally Responsive Differentiated Instruction: Narrowing Gaps between Best Pedagogical Practices Benefiting All Learners. Teachers College Record, 111(1), 214-247.
I agree with you that establishing and maintaining international contact in one's field is not only enlightening but it help increase one's passion as well. My contact with Rebbecca Moyo in South Africa has helped to see and feel for children living in poverty thus increasing my passion for the education of children living in poverty. Consequently, I have got my professional goals modified.
ReplyDeleteJaime, I continue to be impressed with what you have communicated through your blog. Even though you did not make a contact internationally, you were an investigator! You searched for and found out information about education in other countries that, like you said here, you would not have found out if it were not for these assignments. I also agree wholeheartedly that I have learned the most from what you and other colleagues have shared in your blogs and on the discussion boards. Traveling mercies as you continue on this Master's journey! I sincerely hope that we continue to have the opportunity to interact in more classes.
ReplyDeleteI too have developed a passion for advocacy. Because of this course I was able to study poverty closely and would like to advocate in this area. The international websites exposed me to poverty in other countries as well as this one. I feel that all ECE professionals should be making strides to wage war on poverty due to it's negative affects on our children.
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