Several positive consequences have
resulted from my
study of early childhood through international contacts and websites. First, I
have been made aware of the history, current state of quality care of several
different locales across the globe. This has opened my eyes to the similarities
and differences of our own early childhood system. Second, I have become aware
of many resources through my coursework and via classmates postings that I can
use to increase my knowledge and stay abreast of the EC field on a global
level. Third, I have become comfortable approaching and conversing with virtual
strangers from a variety of early childhood professions. To be honest, this was
nerve wrecking at the start. I was thrilled to find a couple of approachable
professionals, willing to share all about their home land, even those areas
that are unflattering. This honest dialogue allowed me to learn a great deal
about these places and to surmise that people are people regardless of what
side of the globe they wake up on. It is the unusual feeling of bringing the
world closer but also realizing how massive it truly is.
My
goal would be to for global connections to be a mandatory part of every early
childhood professional development program. This of course would require there
be more continuity between early childhood professional programs and as we
learned in this course, this far from reality (Buysse, Winton, & Rous,
2009). Perhaps that’s a small goal wrapped in a larger one.
Buysse,
V., Winton, P. J., & Rous, B. (2009). Reaching consensus on a definition of
professional development for the early childhood field. Topics in Early
Childhood Special Education, 28(4), 235–243. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/233599247/fulltextPDF
Tammra,
ReplyDeleteI like your description of the experience as bringing the world closer. Yes is a big world, but with many important similarities.
Also, thanks for posting the link to A. Paul's talk. Very interesting!
Carolina
In the many years of traveling and places been, the most frustrating piece is communication! You can email a person and not hear back from them for weeks because of Internet capabilities. One of my contacts still hasn't emailed me, some parts of Africa are far more challenging than the more populized areas! Nerve wracking is a great term as we've all been there!
ReplyDeleteHi Tammra,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I would like to say that I enjoyed reading your blogs during the duration of this course. It was nice getting to read information that was shared between you and your international contact. Secondly, I love your goal. I agree that forming a relationship with my international artier was interring as well as informative. I lean red so many things fro her. Like you, I learned that there are so many similarities in the rings that our children and families share across the world.
I hope to see you in future classes.
Hi Tammra, I too was somewhat terrified to initiate contact with complete strangers from other countries. But I have realized that as early childhood professionals we really are all part of a much larger family. My communications with Pasi, Johanna, and Topi of Finland, and Monika of Germany have been thoroughly enriching experiences! Your idea of having international contacts be a regular part of early childhood programs is a great idea.
ReplyDeleteGlobal connections to be a mandatory part of every early childhood professional development program is a great idea. This would keep us abreast of what other educational systems are doing and help build a stronger educational force. Best of luck on your future endeavors.
ReplyDelete