Professional Hopes and Goals

One hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds are that of :-
(a) Creating an environment that is warm, rich and filled with love and respect for all.
(b) Creating an environment that depicts an anti-bias atmosphere which promotes  positive and healthy opportunities for all regardless of their background.

One goal that I  would like to set for the early childhood field that is related to issues of diversity, equity and social justice is 'implementing strategies that creates opportunites that articulates diversity, equity and social justice for all in a developmentally appropriate mannner that is bias and prejudice free.'



I would like to take the time out to thank all of my colleagues that I have communicated with throughout this course. Your feed backs were very rich and inspiring to me. Today, I can say that I have learn a lot from you all and I am sure you can say the same in return. Thanks again and all the best to you all in your other courses. I do hope that we meet again in the other courses.   

Welcoming Families Around the World

I chose the early childhood setting of a child care center to execute this scenario. The name of the country of origin for the family who has recently emigrated from a different country that I know nothing about that I chose is Cambodia.

Five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this particular family are:-

(a)    To learn about this particular family background and way of life, this includes their beliefs and values.

(b)   To be knowledgeable about this family use of language as this in key in the communication process that will take place between the family and I.

(c)    To create a teaching and learning environment that is filled with warmth, love and reflects power, culture and equity among all ethnic group. In doing thus, I can encourage students to care for one another and be responsible for each other inside and outside of the classroom.

(d)     Display equality among all by being humble, patient, honest and most of all caring for the needs of this family and others in a clear and precise manner.

(e)   To have a one to one conference with this family. This can be done by hosting a welcoming party.

 In executing such strategies, I strongly believe that they will be successful as mutual respect will be dispelled amongst all. Second, the child and family will free to express self openly with confidence. This will in turns enhance their self esteem and self concept. Third, this will help me in a professional manner as I will be empowered towards learning and sharing concepts on a daily basis with this family and other respectfully.

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice and Oppression

My memory comes from executing a display competition at work. The day was being celebrated as ' Jamaica Day' wherein each class was given a specific topic to look at for example, food, clothing, music just to name a few. Our group got music to do. We went out and researched the topic and gave our students and parents part to do so as to enhance parents involvement as this is a key element in the education of the young ones (children). On the day of the judging our display our display was the most outstanding one yet we were placed second. After asking a few questions here and there we understood that the master judge and one of the teacher in our group had personal issues, therefore, she used it against us. Now being the person that I am very determined and dedicated towards all that I do I went to the master judge and spoke with her. Surprisingly she was not afraid to say to me, "serve her right because she needs to leave my husband alone." but when I asked my colleague about it she said that they were just good friends.


 The speech of the master judge diminished equity as what she did was not called for, neither was it the time and place to deal with her personal issues. Secondly, no one was aware of the personal matter that existed among them. Therefore, she should not have used that and be biased in judging the display.
With this feeling I felt very disturbed, annoyed and disappointed because professionalism teaches that one should know how to act, conduct themselves as a professional and right there this judge did the opposite.Therefore, in order to turn this incident into an opportunity for greater equity I strongly believe that both the master judge and my colleague needs to sit and talk about their issues because in life two wrong do not make a right and sometimes what we think does not always turn out to be true. Therefore, stooping to think and talk about things make a complete difference.

he conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#sthash.YXpzEqbp.dpuf

he conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#sthash.YXpzEqbp.dpuf

he conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#sthash.YXpzEqbp.dpuf

he conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#sthash.YXpzEqbp.dpuf

he conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person"; and it defines a profession as "a calling requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation." - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/professionalism.htm#sthash.YXpzEqbp.dpuf

 

Practicing Awareness of Microaggression

One example of microaggression that I have detected this week took place right in front of me at work. A little girl was sitting and doing her work with her grandmother right beside her because it was almost time for school to dismiss. Suddenly, another little girl who has been stereotype as being a troubled child came over and shouted out loudly in the girl's face. In defense of her granddaughter, the grandmother replied openly by shouted, 'move away, you good for nothing ugly dirty girl and let fly pitch on you because you are in their category'. By  echoing those words the little girl ran to the other side of the classroom. Right there and then the teacher turned around and address the matter. When the little girl that did the act was asked why she did what she had did, she replied by saying, 'I was only playing with her, she is my friend and now I am sad.'
Based upon what I viewed as the microaggression took place, I personally believed that it was a childish act displayed by the little girl's grandmother and as a mother she should not have done that because what if someone else did that to her grand child I am sure she would not have liked it. It was very obvious that she had hurt the child's feelings.

My observation experiences about micraggressions this week has definitely taught me that everyone has feelings and in life we should think before we act and measure the words that are use to speak to others. It has also taught me that I should never ever try to solve a problem when I am angry but rather do so when I feel calm about a given situation.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

This week's assignment was indeed an interesting and informative one. I had the privilege  of asking four persons about what culture and diversity meant. These are the answers that I received:-

Mrs B.Anderson ( former teacher, 65years old) stated that when she thinks of the term culture she strongly believes that it has to do with one's way of living , doing and expression of self in terms of their culture, religion, ethnic beliefs and values. While diversity has to do with the similarities and differences that exist round one's beliefs and values from a worldwide perspective.

Mr. S. Bramwell (22, chef) argued that culture has to deal with one's beliefs and family values. While diversity has to do with the world itself and how one interacts with it and others.

Miss. Powell (32, lecturer) stated that culture has to deal with person's way of living and beliefs that exist and is executed by family members so as to meet the needs of the dominant society at large. She strongly believes that diversity has to do with how one sees, operates within the family and the society.

Mrs Lazo (British, nurse, 45) outlined that culture is ethnicity that exists in regards to one's gender, race, religion,beliefs and values. While diversity to her means the inclusion of family culture and the society's culture that works and upholds similarities and differences.


Based on what I have been exposed to in this course about culture and diversity I can say that the answers that I have received are somewhat near as the persons seem to have an idea and clear understanding towards the terms of culture and diversity. For example Mrs Lazo is from a different culture from the other persons that were asked the questions. Yet her answer was very profound and similar to what the others had to say. I also liked the definition that Mr.Bramwell and Mrs Anderson gave as they terminologies were clear and precise.

As I reflect on what was done this week, I can truly say that I have proven that though I may share similar social identities with others we do not necessarily share the same viewpoints at times I have also seen that everyone is unique in his or her way and depicts the whole matter of culture and diversity in the manner in which these aspects are executed in their family culture from an early stage in life.

My Family Culture

A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture.


If I had to decide on three items to take with me that I hold dear and represent my family culture would definitely be my bible, family album and my navel cord. These items are very precious and dear to me. First, for my bible, this is very valuable from a child growing up as well as it a way of keeping in touch with God. It is also keeps me focus and relax regardless of what is going on around me. Second, my family album which holds most of my family happiest moments spent together. It also upholds photos of older family members that I do not know. Third, my navel cord, this is very special has it upholds a great bond between my mother and I. It is where I got all my nourishments that were needed for me to develop properly from within my mother's womb.,


If upon arrival I was told that I would not be capable of taking all three items but rather one I would be very devastated. This is because all three items play a significant role in my life as well as towards my family culture. Secondly, I would be so confused as it would seem as if someone was taking my breath away from body. I definitely would feel like the whole world has turn upside down and I am beneath it. However, if I was really caught in the position wherein I had to choose I would definitely choose my bible. This is because Jesus is the center of my life and without him I am nothing. Secondly, without Jesus I would not have a family neither would I have a mother to give birth to me. 


From doing this exercise, there are definitely insights that I have gain about myself, family culture, diversity and/ or cultural difference. I have gain that both family culture, diversity and cultural differences do intertwine and work collaboratively. Therefore, if one part is damage then it has an impact on the other factors that exist. I have also gain the insight that there are times when we are face with certain situations wherein we have to make a sudden decision to save our self.





 

When I Think of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

In  quest for knowledge and being engaged in this course, I have gained that in order to execute a valuable and authentic research; the information and resources used have to be of credible source, reliable and most of  all valid. In ensuring thus, it helps in creating a positive atmosphere for the steps in the research process. Today, I am cognizant that research helps in the total execution of my roles as an educator as it gives information that is deemed to be very authentic and efficient towards making meaningful interventions for not just children that I interact with but also developing a strong and positive relationship with parents/ guardians.
Secondly, I have learned  that there is a third methodological or research paradigm that can be used in executing a research that helps a research to be powerful, informative, complete and balanced (mixed method approach).


In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?  

My ideas  of doing a research have totally changed because at first I thought research was very frustated, boring, time consuming and irrelevant. Howvever, today, I am rather elated, enthused and energized about executing a research on my own.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I have learned that the whole process of planning, designing and conducting research all collaborate and depend on each other for a complete a research. Therefore, all three elements have to be done timely so as to help the smooth sailing of the research process to take place and be effective.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? 

My first challenge that I encountered was writing a hypothesis. However, with the aid from looking closely at various examples given in the course resources, I was capable of overcoming such challenge. Secondly, was differentiating between a qualitative and quantitative research. Nevertheless, with reading about thus as well as viewing examples of these researches I was able to identify the differences that lied between both researches.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course? 

 My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course in a number of ways. One of such is the whole matter of research is an effective process that should be used to help guid one's practice as well as the more current research that is done the better interventions can be made towards the holistic development of our children and self.

Last but not least, I want to take time out to give thanks to all of my colleagues and instructor for your support and feed backs that were given throughout this course. Indeed they were very effective towards my well being. Thanks again and all the best to you all in your other courses!!!!!!