I really enjoyed working with an international contact in the early childhood field. Unfortunately, there were some consequences with this assignment. First, not all of my classmates touched based with an international contact. I was fortunate to reach someone on my third attempt, but I never heard back from my first two contacts. I can only imagine that they were not interested or completely overwhelmed with their work. Second, I think it would have been just as effective if we were given the option to research a different country each week in lieu of the podcasts or exchanging emails. I had to fill in some of the gaps with my international contact with information that I knew or researched. I think learning about more than one country would have been interesting. Third, I feel that this assignment was not beneficial for everyone. For those who were not able to touch base with an international contact, they most likely felt left out. This was just another research assignment for them instead of a fun activity like it was meant to be.
My goal for the international community is that everyone becomes aware of the benefits of early childhood education. Many countries do have a wonderful education system in place, but it usually starts at Kindergarten. My hope is that everyone becomes aware of the great benefits of starting education earlier thus creating early childhood programs around the globe.
Hello Stacey, I was one of many colleagues that enjoyed reading the wonderful information you provided us from South Korea and the way they perceive the importance of early childhood. I was also one of many students that was not able to have the previlege of having an international contact. I think that despite that, I was able to learn from other colleagues just as yourself as well as to gain other information from the website I explored ZERO TO THREE about the different issues chidren and families face in different parts of the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks again for for your valuable information.
Stacey I also enjoyed reading your post and the way that you presented it made me feel as if I had done the interview also. You gave a wonderful depiction of Korea and the early childhood field. I hope that you and your international contact will continue to update one another about early childhood in your countries.
ReplyDeleteStacey, I truly enjoyed reading your blog. You brought many interesting facts. Every week I read your blogs even if I didn't comment. Weekly after reading your blogs it felt like I was going on an adventure. I hope you don't lose contact with this international contact. It wasn't easy for a lot of us to make an international contact. You have definitely made a bond and hope you both continue strengthening it.
ReplyDeleteHi Stacey,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading post of other who had made contact with international early childhood professionals. Unfortunatly I did not connect, and did at times wish that I could have, never the less I still enjoyed looking at what was happening internationally in ECE through pods and blogs. I do however plan on looking for an international fellow ECE professional. I see it as an asset.