Website: (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)
Insights related to my professional goals:
In Africa the UNESCO works hard to keep education on the agenda
in political and financial decisions. The organization aims to improve the
quality of teacher education in the region and improve teaching tools. The
UNESCO admits that defining quality is complex however it is fashioned by issues
such as class size, student resources and access to the basic necessities,
running water and electricity.
The UNESCO organization has six educational goals to meet
the learning needs of children. Educational goal number one is especially linked
to my professional goals. Expand and
improve comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the
most vulnerable and disadvantaged children.
Also, UNESCO advocates by hosting annual "Global Action
Week" and it is campaigns that raise awareness worldwide for education for
all. This year's focus was on early care and education. Their goal was to assemble
more political and financial support to achieve their goals, early care and
education for all children.
World
Forum Radio: Episode 5 Irma Allen
Irma Allen works in Africa to train teachers and train
community members to become early childhood teachers. In Africa there are no classrooms
and nature becomes the classroom environment. The weather, trees, rocks and etc.
become the teaching resources. The environment
is a great teacher’s guide and encourages children to have respect for the
environment. Irma also discussed the
speech of fond memories from a former student of a colleague in an early learning
center. The former student expressed feeling loved and welcomed even though he
is an orphan. His life changed because someone made him feel like he had a
purpose. He recalled the teacher smiling and being loving. This made me reflect
on the things my students will remember about me when they are adults.
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/worldwide/education-regions/africa/
The definition of quality is extremely hard to establish especially when there are so many countries that who do not have suitable funding. In my findings this week I found out that many countries are lowering their standards of quality to control cost. Due to this they are allowing more unqualified and less qualified individuals to teach.
ReplyDeleteI think that is great that they use what resource are right at there hand. i think that more teachers need to find that teachable moment.teachers are very creative in how and what they teach. that why i think this is a great profession.
ReplyDeleteKatara, It is good to know that there are people like Irma who are will to trail teachers and community members. I could not imagine going to school without classrooms. Thank you for a great post.
ReplyDeleteI love the World Forum episode that you listened to. Wouldn't it be great if more American classrooms moved outside and we taught children more about the world around them? And the episode also proved that a teacher can make all the difference in a child's life, just by showing them they care and love them, when she referred to the orphaned child. Teachers are very powerful people.
ReplyDeleteKatara,
ReplyDeleteI love how they have class outside in nature. I think it is important for children to have an understanding of the world around them. My students love to go outside for an observation activity. It keeps the learning environment exciting and engaging. Changing a child's life for the better is what teaching is all about. I hope that I have helped my students feel better about themselves and feel genuinely loved.