“Research around the World”
The website that I choose to explore was the European Early Childhood Research Association, (EECERA : http://www.eecera.org/. Some of the international topics that I found to be interesting were the evolution, trends, and proposals that will led to sustainable development in early childhood education in Spain and the Vygotskian’s approach to today’s dilemma of early childhood education.
The information that I learned from these articles show that that are similarities in the issues and trends of early childhood education internationally. As researchers continue to prove the holistic value of high quality early childhood programs the mandate for highly trained early child professional is increasing. One of the ways that Spain has decided to improve their early childhood system is to require specific higher education standards for their teachers. Each of the developmental ages of early childhood is broken down and teachers are trained based on the group that they will work with. I personally feel that this is a great way to make sure that teachers have the skills that need to confidently provide a nurturing, stimulating and safe learning environment for each of the age groups in early childhood.
The Vygotskian’s approach to today’s dilemma of early childhood education research took place in Germany. The information is this study shows the pressure to start academics younger in children can have negative effects on their social and emotional development. Learning through play provides children with the opportunity to learn how to be creative, and express their emotions in positive ways with the appropriate scaffolding from teachers. I found this research study to be interesting because as a parent and a teacher I’ve noticed how the dynamics of early childhood education are changing. It was nice to find research to support my belief in letting children learn through exploration.
Reviewing research around the world is beneficial because it gives different perspectives and solutions for the educational issues that affect us all.
Hi Shirley, I enjoyed reading your post. It is very interesting to me to see what others are experiencing and the different trends and issues they are dealing with daily and also that we can learn from each other. I believe that as professionals e can never learn too much. Thanks for the insight.
ReplyDeleteYay for play!
ReplyDeleteYes it is becoming more and more difficult to explain to parents and certain schools that play is the best method for the early years. What are the most interesting benefits you find from children exploring and learning through play?
I am believer children learn from play, enjoyed your posting about this website. Nice to see the international view on topics, issues and their approaches to early childhood field. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteToshiko Pinckney
Absolutely! Play is so important in a child's development. I try to express this to every one who has young children and even those who don't. Academics are being pushed more and more in the classroom and it is going to wear on children fast.
ReplyDeleteNIce post!!
Rachael
Yes, I agree this is wonderful that they are raising the standards for their teachers but also insuring that they have the retraining to support the expectations placed upon them. We can learn a lot by what there countries are doing and should continue to follow their research when making decisions based on what is best for children.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I learned so much when I reviewed the Early Childhood Australia website. I don't recall hearing in this field that starting academics in young children could negatively impact their social and emotional development. I am from the Early Head Start and Head Start world and their studies support the early we start, the better off the child will be. Very interesting. Thanks.
ReplyDelete