Microaggressions Wk 4

Describe at least one example of a microaggression which you detected this week or remember from another time. In what context did the microaggression happen? What did you think and feel when you observed the microaggression or when you found yourself as the target of a microaggression?

During a parent conference my first year of school, I had a parent make the comment to me that “you don’t have children, so I wouldn’t expect you to understand”. I replied by simply saying that she was correct, however I am learning and trying my best to understand and help any way that I can. This to me was an intentional comment meant to hurt my self-esteem and confidence. I have also had other young mothers my age tell me “you don’t have children, you’ll find out what I mean when you do” and other comments along those same lines. These comments I feel were not meant as a jab at me, however I took them that way. In my mind I was thinking, “I have a degree in early childhood, I’ve taught in a school for 2 years, or 3 years, I’ve handled classrooms full of children, but yet you’re telling me I don’t understand or that I will understand once I have children? That’s absurd!” Most of these comments came about in conversations about young children and parenting. Unfortunately, I feel that until I have children, I will continue to be the target of these comments. What bothers me the most is that people think that just because you have children, means you know so much, or you know more about kids than anyone, but I have to disagree. There are many people out there who have children and have absolutely no motivation to understand them, they just see it as “having kids”. Just because you have kids, does not make you a better person or a better parent. Your parenting choices influence that.

In what ways did your observation experiences this week affect your perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and/or stereotypes on people.

Through readings and discussions I have learned that as an educator, it is extremely important not to make presumptions about a child or the child’s family. Stereotypes can be harmful and detrimental to anyone, and we need to be aware of the ways in which we speak to and of other people. Instead, we need to get to know their culture and differences, and try not to pass judgment based on what we think we know or assume about them. 

Perspectives on Culture and Diversity

My definition of culture: Everything that makes up who a person is, how they interact with others, their behaviors, beliefs, customs, ideas, characteristics… This includes their race, religion, ethnicity, class, language, appearance, dress, customs, traditions, daily life style, choices, and perceptions about the world around them.

 

My definition of diversity: All of which encompasses who we are as an individual, and directly relates to our individual culture. In my opinion, diversity and culture go hand in hand, because our culture is who we are as diverse individuals.

 

ELL Teacher at my school (title one and “inner city”) -

“I'd say that culture is the specific thoughts, behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, taboos, norms, dress/appearance, and important symbolism that constitute a group of individuals collectively.
Diversity is the variety seen with ethnicity, gender, SES, background and other factors in a group.”

 

Walden Colleague -

“Culture- being human, embracing family traditions, acknowledging differences, individuality, religion, race, language, how we dress, behavior, hierarchy. 

Diversity- culture, tradition, differences, how we perceive each other, behavior, embracing individuality.”

 

Sister in-law and fellow Kindergarten teacher at a “country school” –

“I would say that diversity is including all different types of people and ideas, etc.

Culture is the beliefs and customs in a community.”

 

Which aspects of culture and diversity that I have studied in this course are included in the answers I received—and what are some examples?

 The terms tradition, differences, perception, behavior, religion, ethnicity, race, are all commonalities in the definitions.

 

Which aspects have been omitted—and what are some examples of such omission?

I believe that gender, socio-economic status, sexual-orientation have been omitted in these definitions.

 

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?

I think that this is assignment is a perfect example of how we each individually think, perceive, process, and communicate differently; all of which relate to our culture and diversity as a person.

Week 2

If I had to pick up and move to a new country I would take with me my wedding rings, my cross ring, and my bible. The wedding rings are a symbol of my marriage and relationship with my husband. I value our marriage and the strength and faith it has been built upon. The cross ring and bible would be a reminder for me of my faith and give me hope, reminding me to stay strong and trust in the lord.

If upon arrival I was told that I could only keep one personal item I would keep the bible, because I would want to be able to read it and remain strong in my faith and beliefs as well as share the Lord's word with others. I truly believe that the bible would help me through this experience, and trusting in the lord as well.

I have never actually thought about this scenario, and when I originally read this assignment, I thought to myself "what in the world would I keep? shampoo? a piece of jewelry? a book? my pets?" As I began typing this evening, I still wasn't sure, but as I typed those three things just came to me, and in my mind it's because I truly believe that even in difficult circumstances God will be there, even when everything else it gone.

Building Research Competencies Week 8

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
I feel that I have gained quite a few insights about research from taking this course. One of the main ones being that there are many variables that encompass high-quality research, and that there different types of research, and also different types of research design. You need to choose the one that best suits the research you are conducting. I also learned that while there is so much involved in research, and it is time consuming, it is also worthwhile once you analyze and complete it, reflecting upon the new knowledge you have gained or the new information you have learned. Research helps others understand and learn new things as well, and in my opinion without research we wouldn't be able to know the information we know or gain better understandings.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
At first I thought research was an extremely daunting task, but I have learned that the more you plan and organize and completely think your steps through, the better off you will probably be in the research process and the analysis f the data.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I have learned that when planning, designing and conducting research it is important to be ethical, purposeful, organized, thoughtful, equitable, and authentic - all which lead to credible, reliable and valid research results.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
One of the challenges I have encountered is attempting to gain a better understanding of the research designs and mixed methods approach. I also felt challenges throughout the process of the research simulation, and making decisions that I thought would best support and aide my research. Through discussions with classmates I was able to gain a better understanding and hear ideas and thoughts which help me confirm my decisions. I am the kind of learner who likes and needs to bounce ideas with others. That is just how my brain works. So it was helpful to be able to discuss each part of the process with peers. I am very appreciative of their mindfulness and sharing of their thoughts.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
This course has definitely been eye opening to not only the process of research, but everything that research entails and how influential research can be on those who read and internalize it. I have learned that not all research is valid and that you need to be aware that there are many things that can render a research study unreliable. It's important to do a literature review and determine whether the other research studies on the same topic have had the same or like results. On the other hand, I absolutely love when research supports my knowledge and understandings of early childhood and I love to share that with others. I think I feel so strongly about it because I very much want to show people that what we as early childhood educators know as reality and truth, is real and true, and we have the research to prove it.

I want to thank all of my peers for sharing their thoughts, ideas, new things learned, questions and comments. I appreciate all the feedback and conversations I've had with you and have enjoyed reading your posts and blogs! Good luck and hope to see you in the next course!

Early Childhood Australia website

What are some of the current international research topics?

The research topics I discovered range from play and quality in early childhood to diversity, to transitions for young children to language development and on to preventing bullying and much more.

 

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

 As I was browsing the website I found an area on language and play. I decided to check it out because of my current research topic on the dramatic play center and language development. I found an article that came from the Zero to Three website which I am familiar with and value. The article described how children as young as a year old begin to tell stories through a series of actions and/or words. It also explained how in order to promote storytelling you need to have many conversations with the child and listen to their stories, be a part of their stories and converse back, asking questions or telling your own stories as well.

I also explored the code of ethics, and found many similarities between the US and Australia, such as keeping information confidential and also developing positive relationships between the family and children.

 

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
I found that the Early Childhood Australia website has a magazine, as well as a journal which could be valuable in my research process and professional development in general. They could definitely be a great resource.

 References:

Early Childhood Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Researcher of Play and the influences it has on academic success in Kindergarteners.

If I were truly knowledgeable about research and had all the means to complete the research, I would conduct studies on play and the influences it has on academic success in Kindergarteners. As of right now, being a Kindergarten teacher in an area where play is extremely limited, I dream of proving to my supervisors, the public, and those who are making these instructional decisions as to what we can and can not do in the classroom, that play is the most significant part of a child's learning.

I would conduct a research study in Kindergarten classrooms that are play, literacy, and numeracy enriched, and study a Kindergarten classroom where "student centered instruction" is most important, preparing students for MAPs testing, and teachers instructed to use the data from standardized tests to teach the students. The term "student centered instruction" meaning instruction that is supposed to be student as worker, teacher as coach, yet teachers are limited to scripted programs, and continuous assessment of students, as well as very little time for anything, and no time allowed for "centers".

Through my research I would hope to find that the play enriched classroom proves that because children are truly learning through authentic "student centered instruction" and not scripted programs or curriculum, their cognitive, social, and emotional development is strong and progressing throughout the study.

I believe this would benefit the children because they will be having so much fun, learning through play, and truly learning for the love of learning. It would also benefit them socially, because as of right now, my experience with kindergarteners, many of them  come without being socially ready for school, and as the teacher struggle to find time to teach those social skills through all of the other expectations placed upon me. It will benefit them emotionally, because they learn through play and socializing with others, how to self regulate and understand their emotions. Cognitively, they will, through my support and the interactions with peers and their play enriched environment, learn how things work and develop problem solving skills.

I believe this would benefit parents, as well as the community as a whole, because through all of this play and learning, the children will continue to grow and develop the necessary skills to function as a well rounded, civil, young child, young adult, and eventually grown adult, who can contribute in meaningful ways to our community and world.

As you can see, I am extremely passionate about the significance of play, and all of the above is in theory, "if I could". My hopes are that one day it will be a reality, maybe not conducted by myself, but I would be able to show those the reality and truth to those who do not believe or see the significance of play for these young children, even in Kindergarten.

My Research Topic

I chose to research how play influences the growth and development of social, emotional and cognitive skills in young children. I chose this topic because I am very interested in play and the influences it has on a child's success. I have always been passionate about play and believe that for young children it is how they learn and grow. In my opinion, without play there is limited self discovery, child-centered learning, and without play children do not learn how to manipulate the environment around them. My hopes right now are that through my research, I can find valuable and significant information and proof that I can share with other educators to begin on the path of bringing more play back into public education in our area. Right now, the students at my school only get 20 minutes of play a day at school, and "centers" or "free play" and play in general is not suggested. Teaching Kindergarten, it is frustrating and difficult to teach under these circumstances.

So far in my research I have found a few articles that I want to explore further. It has been a learning process for me and will continue to be as I read and research more. My hopes are that I can become effective at finding articles that help my research and help me to grow more as a researcher and learner overall.

I would love any suggestions about ways that you attempt to research your specific points, or things that you find helpful in your research process. I feel the most challenging thing for me will be to quickly and effectively find research that will pertain to my topic.

Best wishes to you all as you continue on this journey!