Perspective on Diversity and Culture

I spoke to two friends and one family member of various ages that was willing to share on providing their insight/ideas on how they think culture and diversity is defined. 

Fatima, my best friend stated that culture is your beliefs and values in which you were brought up in, such as your thoughts and beliefs.

Diversity is being able to understand that individuals has different backgrounds such as (religion, gender, and political choices)

Lindsay says that culture and diversity goes hand and hand, meaning when there are particular groups with different ways of living, such as their language, the way they dress, and the foods they eat.

Diversity is when we accept people living different and being able to accept their differences. 

My guy friend, Calvin stated that culture means people having different traditions and beliefs and he bases it on his experience as a gay guy in the society.

Diversity is the aspect that defines one culture from another, depends on where it originated from

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?  I believe every aspect of culture and diversity is included in my answers I received.  For instance, people with different sexual orientations, different lifestyles, and having are rejected by other people.

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

I believe deep culture have been omitted from these aspects.  Let’s not forget that we all have different social identities and this contribute to our culture and diversity.

In what ways has thinking about other people’s definitions of culture and diversity influenced my own thinking about these topics?  It makes me fully understand what culture and diversity really about and everyone thinks different when it comes to defining what culture and diversity is.  Talking to my friends, made me realize that everyone is aware of the different customs, foods and costumes in other countries.  I enjoyed reflecting on the differences that each individual gave, even if they were right or wrong.  It has been stated that ‘cultural is a unique topic to explore.’

My Family Culture

 

If a major catastrophe hit and completely devastated the infrastructure of my country and I was a survivor and had to move to a completely different country and might have to live there permanently.  The three small items that I would take with me that I hold dear and represent my family culture would be (exluding family/son): 

 

1.  All of my photo albums with pictures of my family and friends

2.  The Holy Bible that was given to me by my grandmother at an early age

3.  Supply of paper and pens to write down everything I did and saw throughout my journey

I would explain to others that these three items means a lot to me.  I love to take pictures and collect photos (old and new).  There are so many memories in a photo, pictures of my son, my family and also my close friends.  I don’t want to forget these memories and always keep them near my heart.

Taking my grandmother’s Holy Bible also means a great deal to me.  She gave me that Bible when I graduated from high school and I continue to read it and go by it.  This is where I get my strength and wisdom, from reading the Bible.

I can do all things through him who strengthens me

Philippians 4:13

I can’t lose staying in touch with my family and friends.  I will write down what I see and what I do on a daily basis, so when we do reunite, I will have an awesome story to tell.  I love to talk about different sights and people I met along the way.

Upon arrival and I have to give up two of my personal items and keep one, they would be the paper and pencils and the photo album. This will be so much pain in leaving behind my pictures of my family and friends.  I do know, the Holy Bible will continue to guide me and give me the strength that I most definitely need in times like these. 

I also did gain some insight about myself during this exercise, along with my family culture and cultural differences.  It really made me realize the importance of material things verse the importance of my family and friends.  Just the thought about moving to another country, away from my friends and family would break my heart.  This really makes me want to re-evaluate my priorities of what comes first in my life.  I don’t like to take things for granted, but some things you cannot change.

“We have the ability to achieve, if we master the necessary goodwill, a common global society blessed with a shared culture of peace that is nourished by the ethnic, national and local diversities that enrich our lives.”

Mahnaz Afkhami (Iranian-American Human rights activist; b. 1941)

When I Think of Research...

When I started this course, I already knew that I did not possess much knowledge on how to properly research and after reviewing the course content, I realized that I would face many challenges with this course. I was thrill to learn how much thought has to go into creating just the right research question in my assignment; every aspect had to be  planned out before establishing a research project.  I learned how to research material the correct way and it made me more effective and efficient and this skill will be very helpful in the future, because there is quite a bit of research involved in the early childhood education field.

While planning my research, there are many facts and issues to address. First, you should consider which research design best fit your topic.  Because, ethics is very important and must be well thought-out, along with validity; also how statistics will be composed and if there will be any fairness in the procedure.

I found the differences between quantitative and qualitative research to be very challenging. Dr. Kien provided web links to assist in our discussions questions and this really helped me understand the different topics. Fortunately, with the help of my colleagues, I successfully completed this course. I now look upon researchers, in the early childhood field, with respect; because they go the extra step in improving the classroom and helping the children become more successful.

A warm and heartfelt thank you to my colleagues in Group 1, because reading your discussion posts and your helpful responses helped me to better understand the topics, therefore ensuring I was on the correct path. Again, thank you, Dr. Kien for your patience, encouragement, and sharing your knowledge with us while conducting this course.  

Research around the World

 

Early Childhood Australia

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au  

I have chosen to research the Early Childhood Australia website.  I did notice some of the topics in this particular site are similar to topics in the US websites.

Their mission statement is to advocate making sure quality, social justice and equity in all the issues relating to education and care of children from the age of birth to eight years old and securing the best options and outcomes as they grow.

Some of their values are:

• The rights of children
•   Leadership, excellence and respect
•  Courage, honesty and openness
•  Collaboration and diversity
•  Justice
• Social inclusion of children

Early Childhood Australia is a peak national, non-profit and non-government organization that acts in the interest of young children.  It assures quality knowledge and information to those who are need of it and also work with government, early childhood professionals, parents, and various organizations.

If you decide to have a membership of Early Childhood Australia it will enable you to:

1. be a voice for young children
2. receive discounted access to our quality assured publications and conferences
3. be kept abreast of early childhood news and happenings
4. network with others in the field through your local branch
5. identify issues and influence policies concerning the care and education of young children

This year they will be celebrating Early Childhood Australia (ECA) celebrates 75 years of continued service to Australian children. Started in 1938 as the ‘The Australian Association of Pre-School Child Development’ and the longevity of the organization is testament to its leaders and members.

What surprise me is how Australians creates a vision for high quality inclusive practices in early childhood education and care. It will assist everyone in ECEC services, as well as support professionals, to fully include children with a disability and to achieve high quality outcomes for all children. It will also provide a framework for the development and implementation of policy and programs designed for all young children.

      

Research that Benefits Children and Families

       The topic I have chosen for this blog assignment that possesses the means and knowledge to conduct research studies would be family involvement.  I know this topic would make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and their families.  Educators has an ongoing challenge to develop and enhance skills that will offer students the best possible learning experience  at home, school, and also the community.  That’s why it’s always effective for parents to have a well established partnership with the teacher, because I always believe when a parent becomes involved, a child have better grades, improved test scores, improved self-esteem and improved motivation (Reschly, 2007). 

       When the No Child Left Behind Act included parent and family contribution in its requirements, it underscored the meaning of such involvement. It has been known that researchers have acknowledged a number of different characteristics that families of children who are doing fine in school have in common.  All together, they have regular daily routines, homework time, daily chores, and let’s not forget family time.  Many of the activities that occur outside the classroom are supervised and watching television is limited, which sets challenging goals and encouragement from their parents (Hill, 2010).

       You may want to ask parents to fill out a questionnaire on the first day of school or invite them to take it home and return it at a later date.

Questions might include:

·         Would you be interested in being a "guest" in our classroom? Could you be a story reader? Teach a song? Help with an art project?

·         Is there a special topic that you would like to see incorporated into the curriculum? (e.g., adoption, new siblings, moving to a new home.

·         Is there a special interest or talent you would like to share with the children? The staff? (Hill, 2010).

Reference:

Hill, S. (2010).  Parent and Family Involvement in Education.  Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/77042-parent-family-involvement-education/#ixzz2ONXwpYQR

Reschly, A. Ph.D., (2007).  Engaging Families in Early Childhood Education. Retrieved from
http://www.rtinetwork.org/essential/family/engagingfamilies

                               My Personal Research Journey 

I have chosen the topic of children being obese and bullied in the early childhood education field.  The reason why I chose this particular topic is because I have observed young children that are overweight, and those that are bullied by other children.  We know that children in everyday movement activities also progress in emotional, social, and cognitive development.  Obesity is on the rise and I believe we also need to give children the attention that is recommended early in life.  There are vast amounts of ways to prevent being overweight and exercising too little.   

This area has always been an interest to me, because I have lived through this particular circumstance myself.  I am willing to learn about the study of obesity, and I want to continue to research it.  This is why everyone needs to start the positive techniques at home, simply by eating more fruits and vegetables and exercising.  Furthermore, I would like to know the following: Why children bully other children that are obese? What kind of benefit do they receive from it?

 My colleagues I need you to provide me much advice and resources that can accommodate me through this course.  I am very appreciative from all support.

                                 Final Blog Assignment:

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development

1.      I had very little contact with my international contact, adding that I did share information from diverse websites.  The small conversation and literature put into standpoint how far the field of early childhood education has come.  Allowing me to be able to celebrate our comings and goings, not only thinking about where we have yet to go, but what we have not observed.

2.      I gained insight into further development opportunities, shared professional development and training resources with my colleagues.  I was able to share knowledge and encouragement about high quality studies in the early childhood field.

3.      Understanding the ability to analyze from reliable viewpoints about issues and trends related to poverty, equity, economics, diversity, cultural and other disciplines it affects on children, their families, early childhood programs, and communities.  I really gained a worldwide insight that committed me to this career.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

I think we should always make use of the resources (no matter how stressful it may become) made available through this educational course as it brings attentiveness, a global perspective of serious issues affecting early childhood while providing a path of advocate for excellence for all children.

And finally….

THANK YOU! To all my classmates for your support, joining in on our weekly discussions, posts, and blogs.  It gave me strength toward quality in this educational journey and to be more successful while preparing for the future.