As week 8 of the Issues and Trends course is upon us, I find myself reflecting on my learning and experiences that have taken place over the past 8 weeks of this course. We have discussed a variety of issues and challenges that impact the field of Early Childhood Education, not only in the United States but world wide. We have also discussed the changes taking place in the field, new investors coming into the field, researched organizations that support children, families, and the ECE field, and even had the opportunity to establish contact with international education professionals to learn more about the issues and trends of ECE on a global scale. In the final week, our blog assignment calls for us to discuss at least three different consequences of learning that come about in response to establishing international contacts and professional development opportunities, as well as one goal for the ECE field related to remaining aware of issues and trends on a global scale internationally.
I begin with the three consequences, whether intended or unintended, that relate to learning about the ECE field internationally for personal and professional development.
1. Learning internationally and globally about the field of ECE will make me more open, aware, and understanding of other cultures. This is a positive intended consequence as I work in a district with ever-changing demographics and would benefit greatly by speaking with other professionals from various countries around the world to better understand the cultures, languages, and backgrounds of children from such countries to make them feel more welcome and at home in my classroom.
2. An unintended consequence of continuing to learn about ECE internationally is that it will help to understand the depth of the issues and trends within the field and learn from others on ways to improve or handle situations, and ways in which we should adapt to make more successes and avoid negative outcomes. This can help us to learn from other countries about best practices and share research to be utilized to improve the field of ECE for the better.
3. A troubling ideal about this learning opportunity is that many may count reading and article or two about an issue or trend as professional development time. This comes into play as a consequence because we still struggle to define what professional development is, how it should be taking place, and its role and importance to educators.
Additionally, one goal I would create for myself in relation to remaining up to date and aware of issues and trends in the ECE field world wide on a global scale would be to remain in contact with the international professionals I have met and built a rapport with throughout this course. I would LOVE to learn more about the issues and trends taking place in terms of the ECE field in other countries, as well as learn more about their classrooms, their dynamics, their routines, their shining moments as well as their struggling moments, and so much more. I would LOVE to be able to Skype with another classroom from around the world and even be pen pals (I know that is "old school" but the children would love it SO much and learn SO much along the way). I am hoping to do just this with Nancy, who is currently teaching 4th grade in Chile, since I also currently teach 4th grade. We are hoping to set up some opportunities for our students to work together in some capacity as we are both reading and discussing the book Because of Winn Dixie with our students. It will be a great opportunity for the students to experience a "book club" or "literature circle" atmosphere with other students and to connect with other students their age from a different part of the world!
This course has been extremely eye opening and insightful over the past 8 weeks. I am very, very grateful to have met and worked with so many excellent professionals within the field of ECE once again in this course. I feel as though we have learned so much from one another and look forward to further experiences such as this in future courses. Do no be strangers - keep in touch! :)
Until next course! ;)
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I have also used this aspect of the course as a springboard to understanding other cultures - and understanding that these cultures could one day be right in my classroom. It is humbling to learn how global our job is as ECE professionals. Thanks for being a great fellow grad and improving the course experience with your thoughts and feedback.
ReplyDeleteAshley I am so excited for you and your students! What an amazing unintended consequence that has sprung up due to your interaction with international educators! May I recommend Oracle's ThinkQuest website as a place to set up classroom discussion boards and quizzes. It is free and designed to be used by teachers and their students. http://www.thinkquest.org/en/projects/
ReplyDeleteTeachers in my school have used it in the past for their 3rd and 4th graders and it makes a wonderful resource where students interact with each other on discussion boards similar to the way we do in our Walden U boards only you and the ther teacher can monitor what they say and respond to them as well. Its great for project based learning 21st century skills and integrating technology into the project. I hope you will find it useful.
Ashley, that is awesome what you have and will be able to do with the international contact you made in Chile! What a great learning experience for you and your children. I also love the book "Becasue of Winn-Dixie". It is exciting to learn about the cultures of different countries and how they teach. Thank you for being a wonderful colleague and I look forward to sharing a class with you again!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley as always it is a pleasure to read your blog. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and the information that you have obtained during this course. I have really really enjoyed your experience. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are able to follow through with your goal. I think that would be so beneficial for both sets of students. I hope you will blog about it so we can read about it in the future.
Thanks,
Danielle