Even though I have hosted many international exchange students, been a regional manager for international exchange students, and currently still am an area representative for international exchange students in my little corner of the world, this course was still full of information I feel can only be obtained from a collaborative learning community in which we are currently involved in. Each individual has contributed in some way to the learning process these last eight weeks and I would like to thank everyone for all their advice, suggestions, and solutions that they shared.
The privilege I had by being welcomed into the professional lives of two international contacts this past eight weeks has definitely opened my eyes to further understanding about the early childhood field of education outside of the US.
Consequences of learning about the international early childhood field (both for professional and personal development) are, but not limited to:
- Strengthening my knowledge and practice in regards to culturally responsive and individually appropriate practice.
- A greater respect that each students and their family have a culture that is to be valued and affirmed; allow students and families to fully participate in the educational process by keeping communication open in both directions.
- Was given an opportunity to reflect on my own definition of diversity and educate myself in any areas in which I needed more information. As well as continuing to periodically reflect.
- Broadening my network of peers in the early childhood field.
One of the goals I have set for myself is to grow my own program, as well as become more involved in the community, in order to advocate for other high quality early childhood education programs, childcares, etc… 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).
Once again, thank you to all my classmates, Dr. Longo and my new international contacts for all their help, advice, and suggestions this past eight weeks. I look forward to continuing our collaborative learning community in the future. The best of luck to everyone in their future endeavors!
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.
Robin,
ReplyDeleteI hope you achieve your goal, of growing your own program, and of following the path of advocacy. Paying attention to the differences in a classroom is very important. Getting to know each child and family, on a one to one basis, is extremely important! It is also important to open up to the families, share your own culture, and let them get to know you.
Happy holidays!
Mary L.
You have set a very admirable goal for yourself. It is hard when you look directly at the big picture, but when you start impacting people with what you have you can change the community one small step at a time. Just think of how many children you will impact throughout your career as an early childhood professional. Thank you for sharing the many things that you learned as well as your goals. Wonderful Post.
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