Course: EDUC – 6164 – 2

Week 4 Blog Assignment

Practicing Awareness of Micro- aggression

Joanne Lynch

Date: Saturday 28^th September, 2013.

     Tyrique is a Grade One student who lives with his grandmother in a small community on the outskirt of the city in my country, since he was a baby. He is very hyperactive, but extremely loving, and likes to play a lot with other children while he is at school, because he is the only child that is living in the house hold, and has no one to play with at home. As a matter of fact, this child’s method of play is exceptionally rough, in that, he always hits other students then run.  Undoubtedly, Tyrique is not an aggressive child, in view of the fact that, his intention is not to hurt his classmates, but as most of them do not understand his technique of playing, they often think that he is bullying them, hence, the numerous complains the class teacher receives from their parents relating to this issue. However, he was spoken to by the teacher concerning the strategy that is used when he is playing with his classmates. Likewise, his grandmother was asked to talk to him about his behavior.

   Consequently, instead of Tyrique’s grandmother cooperating with the class teacher, she became angry, and was engaged in a behavior that threatened and demeaned the teacher of such a communication. To be more precise, she stated that she was tired of hearing the teacher complaining about her grandson, for he is not the worst child in the school, and that she was going to transfer him to another school. As a matter of fact, I thought that this assertion being used by Tyrique’s grandmother to the teacher, contain demeaning meta-communications or hidden message (the teacher and classmates do not like Tyrique). However, I felt that this grandmother possesses biased thoughts, attitudes, and feelings that harmed the teacher.

     Obviously, from observation experiences, my perception of the effects of discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes on people is that they have generated an unfavorable and invalidating climate for people, reduce their spiritual and metaphysical energies, and their cumulative nature which can result in melancholy, frustration, fury, outrage, loss of self-esteem, and apprehension.

                                                             

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). "Micro-aggressions in Everyday Life" [Video                             webcast]. In Perspective Diversity & Equity. Retrieved from                  https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCoursse   26id%3D_3468047_1%26url%3D

Course: EDUC – 6164-2

Week 3 Blog Assignment

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

Joanne E Lynch

Date: Saturday 21^st September, 2013

     

       Individuals have perceived the notion of culture and diversity in varying but common ways. They also claimed that both (culture and diversity) are intertwined. It followed that I had the opportunity to interview two of my colleagues (one male and one female), and a relative (a female who was the youngest of the three), about their definition of culture and diversity. In fact, the various responses that were given are listed below.

Definitions for Culture:

1.      The way of life of a particular society or group of people.

2.      Anything that relates to a country’s historical background.

3.      The norms, practices, rules, values, language, and the general way of life of  people in the society.

Definitions of Diversity:

1.      Differences in the culture of the people.

2.      Conditions of the inhabitants’ lifestyle in society, which are different from each other.

3.      Dissimilarities in people’s lifestyle in society.

      Undoubtedly, the initial stages of this course focused on the comprehension of diversity and culture via social identities. The focal point was on the family in society, as well as, incorporating aspects of the early childhood field of education. Admittedly, the responses obtained from the interviewees reflected the dominant culture. For that reason, the concept is that members of society are the mass, or who swing more powerful than other groups. Likewise, it is shared or accepted without opposition by the majority of the population. For example, for families to feel valued and inclusion, the home culture and dominant culture will be created between both cultures (home and dominant).

      Furthermore, I have realized that people in the society are reared with traditions which are virtually difficult to be conscious of, hence, finding it harder to adjust to. In fact, this deep culture is comparatively slow to change, for instance, the people’s attitude towards life, religious and philosophical beliefs, and values in human relationships. However, although the definitions, given by the interviewees are descriptive and general, aspects of surface culture was omitted, because nothing was stated about the artifacts, costumes, holidays and food, since these are easily observed, taste, and defined.

      To be more precise, other people’s definitions of culture and diversity have influenced my own thinking about these topics, since it is very important for me as an early childhood educator, to consider the cultural background of children and their families, in relation to how feelings and emotions are expressed. Additional, positive attitudes and behaviors will be demonstrated by me, which will enable me to work effectively, cross-culturally, and value diversity.

                                                        Reference

Derma-Sparks, L., & Edwards, J.O. (2012). Anti-Bias Education for Young Children and

Ourselves. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Course: EDUC – 6164-2

Week 2 Blog Assignment

My Family Culture

Joanne Lynch

Date: Saturday 14^th September, 2013.

       A major catastrophe has devastated the infrastructure of my country, and I was in the position as a surviving citizen. I was told by the emergency government that I have to evacuate to another country to seek refuge permanently, but I have to take only three small items that I hold dear, as well as, representing my family’s culture. Indeed, I would have taken my passport, debit card, and family will.

      Undoubtedly, these three small items are of great significance. For that reason, being a patriot, my passport will be one of the most important forms of identification, and an official document that is issued by the government which I have possessed as a national, permitting me to travel abroad. On the other hand, the debit card (also known as bank card or check card) is a ductile payment card which is more or less rectangular in shape, and endows me to electronic access to my bank account(s) at a financial institution. Moreover, the will which is my legal instrument that sanctions me, the testate, to clearly set out my wishes for the distribution of my assets after death.

      Certainly, each of these items is fundamental to me in various ways. For instance, travel security measures have increased, and it is almost impossible to travel without a passport, since it is connected with the right of legal protection abroad, and the right to enter one’s country of nationality. Likewise, it is a symbol of travel, and a basic requirement for me to make the trip outside of my country. In addition to that, is my debit card which is used as a more convenient way of spending money, than simply carrying cash around at all times. By using the debit card, instant cash can be withdrawn at the Automatic Teller Machines (ATM), as well as, it can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted. Most importantly is the will, which assists in dictating the smooth transaction of the family assets, and minimizing tensions among survivors.

      Admittedly, if I were told upon arrival that I can only keep one of these personal items, for sure, I will give first preference to the debit card. For that reason, the passport would have already allowed me to physically enter the country, giving proof of my identity. The will would have been a fixed legal document, since it possesses certain required elements that are clear, legally valid, and up to date. Besides, it would have been prepared by an expert, ensuring that all assets are protected and distributed according to my wishes.

      Undoubtedly, when one has to integrate into a new society, it could be difficult to live and function according to a different and sometimes mysterious set of norms, likewise, to be dependent on people you are not familiar with. Hence, the reasons why I have decided to give my debit card the first choice. Due to not being employed at the moment, I will need enough money to be comfortable in my standard of living; for example, to buy food, for travelling purposes, in the case of illness, or during an emergency.

      Obviously, having the debit card will enable me to live to the fullest, and not being dependent on anyone. Indeed, the debit card is linked directly to my bank account, and immediately deducts the amount of the purchase or withdrawal from the account. In fact, there is a growing abundance of Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) around the world, which makes it easier to access the local currency.

      However, the insight I have attained, is that when an individual lives in a new culture, he or she has to remain open to become aware of similarities and differences, to learn rather than to judge. It can be exhilarating, personally rewarding, intellectually stimulating, and above all very frustrating. More importantly, it can be difficult to adapt to the behavior to the customs and expectations of the host country.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer).  (2011). Family cultures: Dynamic

interactions..[Video webcast].  In Perspectives on diversity and equity . Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_3468047_1%26url%3D

Passport- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. (n.d.). Retrieved from

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passport.

What is a debit card? (2013, May28). Retrieved from

www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-debit-card.htm.

What is a will and why do I need one? Retrieved from

www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/08/what-is-a-will-asp.

Week 8 Blog Assignment - EDUC - 6163 - 2

When I Think of Research

  

Joanne E Lynch

  

Walden University 

Date: Saturday 29th June, 2013

      By taking this course, I have detected that research is very relevant to my everyday decision making, it subscribes to reformation in education, fundamentally in teaching and learning. It fortifies me from incorrect knowledge, and is significant to my success as I take on the challenges of life and career decisions makings. This electic approach plays a role in today's hypothetical landscape, which brings my field closer to my objectives. However, research causes me to remember the human element, and permits me to use the indispensible tools, methods, and evaluation for uncovering responses to topics of interest.

     Nonetheless, my idea about the nature of doing research has changed by apprehending my concentration and creativity, as well as underscores the highly interactive and social nature of learning. In addition, I have contemplated ways to guarantee fair and just allocation of any gains of involvement in research, since it gives indispensable knowledge to use in making decisions on behalf of young children and families.

    Certainly, I have learnt innumerable lessons about planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood, because they help me to make decisions when I gather knowledge as backing. Likewise, it assists me in attaining basic skills in those areas, so that I can appraise and value interests which agitate me, my profession, job, and community. Moreover, I will use my research skills applicably and thoughtfully to profit children for all focus and aspiration, to bring into existence concepts and outcomes that change the prospect for them.

    Admittedly, some of the challenges I have encountered and the ways I met them are: By finding and using research effectively, while moving towards evidence-based professional practice. Moreover, encouraging colleagues to read critically, think about, and applying relevant research in their work with children and families. Also, advancing join forces between practitioners and researchers, and aids me as an early childhood educator to comprehend and use research, and to direct high standard studies that will answer important questions for the early childhood field.

     As a result of this course, my perceptions of an early childhood professional have been amended by using research to dominate public policy, which will assist in the elevation of the advancement of a new generation of early childhood researchers. Likewise, encouraging researchers to conduct high quality studies that will give answers to important questions for the early childhood field. Consequently, I will be able to make decisions about whether a quantitative or qualitative methodology is most suitable for future study. Whereas, my determination is to identify the most appropriate and feasible research design and develop instrument for data collection. This purpose enables me to analyse the information collected, drew conclusions, and present findings in future reports.

References

Action research for schools and classroom managers. (2001).Bridgetown, Barbados: The

University of the West Indies.

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010) Doing early childhood research:

International perspectives on theory and Practice. New York, NY: McGraw Hill

Research methods for educational administration. (2000).Bridgetown, Barbados: The University

Of the West Indies.

Week 5 Blog Assignment - EDUC - 6162 - 2

Research around the World

Joanne Lynch

Date: Saturday 8th June, 2013.

     Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php, was chosen as the influential international website link that is dedicated to early childhood. Its mission is to supplementary improving African Early Childhood Development leadership competence as an indicator approach in subsistence of child, family, and society well-being, and expansive communal and financial evolution.

     In addition to that, the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (ECDVU) is a novelty, and multifaceted technique to addressing Early Childhood Development dimensions construct and leadership expansion in Africa. Likewise, it is underpinned by a diversity of international, regional, and local organizations, including the managers of participants.

Some of the current international research topics for Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are:

  

• The new features in procedures to education and partnership, which is devoted to rectifying the standard of life for children and their families in Africa. However, prospectus solicits to attain this through working on a continued nepotism with Early Childhood Development leaders from across the continent.
• Generating research/reports- The aim of the ECDVU program is to expand knowledge accessible concerning the eminence of Early Childhood Development in Africa.
•  Project Generating Publications (Publications, Reports and videos) which is fervent to advancing and upgrading data of significance to Early Childhood Development in the majority world.

      The surprising insights about early childhood I have gained from exploring this international early childhood website are: the Early Childhood Development Virtual University commissions a number of systems to post-secondary education that are non-traditional in constitution. Hence, encompassing discerning the persistence and skill that endure locally and regionally, including these voices and expertise into the learning process. Besides that, is the way the ECDVU works with nominees of participating countries, enhancing their communal and fiscal advancement via addressing the demand of their youngest citizens, and families in societies which cultivate them.

     Consequently, Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) making a difference in the lives of children, youth, families and communities, is noteworthy information discovered on this website. Obviously, the School of Childhood Youth Care extend a prosperous educational experience that underpins practice and research with children, youth, families and societies who are experiencing confrontation.

Reference

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

                 Retrieved from:

                 http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

                 http://www.ecdvu.rg/ssa/major_report.php