Developing a Personal Learning Philosophy - Essay Example

Personal Learning Philosophy Personal Learning Philosophy This paper aims at articulating a personal learning philosophy in early childhood education. A personal learning philosophy is important in the learning process because it helps educators to determine relevant approaches to the learning process as well as helping them become excellent teachers. A learning philosophy, therefore, identifies one’s preferred style of teaching, orientation and areas of strength that make one a better teacher and trainer to the learners (Gordon & Browne, 2012). The philosophy should be in line with the expected outcomes of the learning process and the requirements stipulated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) (Johnston, &Halocha, 2010). This essay examines various theories of early childhood education in order to identify the most appropriate personal learning philosophy. The paper also analyzes various elements related to early childhood education. a) The nature/nurture concept and debate The nature vs. nurture concept debate is more about the influence of genetic inheritance and the impact that environmental factors have in the general development of a person. Nature refers to inborn or innate qualities of an individual that are inherited from one’s parents or ancestors. This is also known as innatism or nativism in modern science (Maddern, 2010). Nurture refers to environmental experiences that shape one’s physical or behavioral characteristics. Nurture includes prenatal, parental family and peer influences on an individual, as well as other environmental factors such as media and socio-economic status. The debate about nature and nurture is one of the oldest scientific debates dating back to ancient Greek philosophy. Ancient philosophers like Socrates and Plato believed that humans are conceived with innate attributes that persist regardless of environmental factors. Later on, philosopher John Locke introduced the term tabula rasa, a view that individuals acquire all their traits from the environment (McLean, 2013). These have been two leading schools of thought in scientific and behavioral studies in recent years. The nature-nurture debate has drawn many arguments from both side of the debate. Those in favor nature base their arguments on genetic studies while those in support of nurture base their arguments on behavioral studies conducted by psychologists such as Ivan Pavlov, Watson and Skinner. Many scientific studied have been conducted to determine the level of influence of both nature and nurture on human development (Petrill, 2003). A study on identical twins and adoption, where twins are separated from each other and taken for adoption by different families. These studies have shown that separated identical twins share issues such as health complications, personalities, IQ levels and other interests. The twins however show huge differences in terms of their moral, political or religious beliefs. These studies show that both genetics and the environment contribute to one’s development. Whereas one’s environment, or nurture, impacts on an individual’s moral, religious or political opinions, nature or heredity has a huge impact on the overall personality of an individual (McLean, 2013). This debate is also closely related to early childhood education. An understanding of the underlying issues in both nature and nurture concepts helps educators to understand growth and development of children in terms of their physical attributes and their behavior (Petrill, 2003). b) What it means to be an early childhood professional To be an early childhood professional means that one is devoted to overseeing the learning process of children at a critical state in their growth and development. As an early childhood professional, one is expected to be very knowledgeable in child development as well as possess the necessary skills and qualities that are necessary in offering the best guidance to little children and attend to their learning needs (Halsey, 2013). Early childhood professionals focus on holistic development of children and play a vital role in shaping the future of children. It is a very noble professional, which requires great devotion and dedication. c) The role of the early childhood educator as a professional in the teaching and learning of children Early childhood educators have a very critical role to play, not only in the learning process or education of the children, but also in the general development and growth of children in general. The Early childhood educators need to pay maximum attention to various issues that foster holistic development and growth of children while executing their role as early childhood educators (Berris, & Miller, 2011). Among these issues include physical development, social development, emotional development, development of cognitive skills, spiritual, and language development. Physical development entails helping children become stronger individuals with great motor skills, eyesight and great physique (Halsey, 2013). Social development involves helping children understand their roles and responsibilities as part of their communities, families and social groups. Emotional development calls for attention on developing emotional connections with the children, aimed at boosting their self-confidence. Cognitive skills relate to how developing the ability of the children to organize information, their memory, imagination and creativity (Berris, & Miller, 2011). Spiritual development helps children recognize and hold various spiritual views. Language development, on the other hand, entails helping children communicate with each other through vocabulary acquisition. d) The role of the early childhood educator as advocate on behalf of children Early childhood educators have a special role of acting as advocates of the little children. They spend the most time with the children in the course of the learning process and they possess adequate skills and understanding of the children to notice any changes in their behavior or development. The educators are expected to be very close to the children and create a special and strong emotional connection with the children (Gordon & Browne, 2012). This creates a conducive environment to understand the children and act on their behalf to ensure they have the best environment for their education as well as for their general growth. These professionals are expected to promote the general welfare of children by constantly communicating with stakeholders in their education and growth such as the guardians and regulatory bodies to ensure that the children have the best environment to learn and grow (Berris, & Miller, 2011). The professionals have the trust of children and are expected to use this as the basis for promoting the rights and welfare of the children in their custody. e) The meaning of teaching and learning for birth to grade three children, including your views on the statement “all children can learn” and key assessment practices From the age of zero to three years, children are usually at a critical stage of their growth and development. During this stage, children transition from being newborns (0-4weeks old) to infants (4 weeks to one year) and toddlers (from one to three years). This is basically the foundation stage of the development of children and has a very significant role of developing basic skills and competencies that are necessary for the lifelong development of the children (Swann, 2005). At this age, the brain of the children undergoes rapid development due to related neurological functioning. This stage requires great attention from caregivers, families, and early childhood professionals through promoting excellence in child development and providing the necessary guidance to ensure the socialization of children is done efficiently (Gordon & Browne, 2012). Learning for children from birth to age, three mostly entails familiarizing the children with their environment, developing their social skills and creating a good environment for their physical, emotional, and spiritual development. I concur with the opinion that ‘all children can learn.’ This is because most of the information that human beings learn is derived from the environment. Through nurture, the children can get a good environment to realize their full potential right from a very young age. I believe that the children need to be given the best environment that promotes their learning process (Hesterman, 2013). f) The role of technology in the education of young children Technology is a very important element of the learning process. If used appropriately and intentionally, technology can be an effective tool to support the process of learning and development of young children (Swann, 2005). Technology can come in handy in helping early childhood educators and administrators access the necessary resources and information they need in executing their role. Technology can also be an important element in helping the young children comprehend what they learn, as well as facilitating the learning process through improving interactions among the learners and their educators. It is, however, important to use technology sparingly in order to avoid over indulging the young children in technology. Limitations of various forms of technology and the most appropriate ways they ought to be used have to be understood (Johnston, &Halocha, 2010). g) The importance of environment to teaching and learning for birth to grade three children The environment where children grow and learn affects their development to a great extent. Most professionals and scholars in early childhood believe that human beings are products of their environment (Halsey, 2013). As such, it is important to provide a favorable environment for the children to learn positive things and grow to become responsible and resourceful members of their families and communities in general. Children from birth to age three gather a lot from their environment. They learn from their friends and those around them, as well as learning from various events and issues that go on within their environment (Wasserman &Zambo, 2013). Good environment enable children to develop their mental or cognitive skills as well as catering for their social and emotional development. References Berris, R., & Miller, E. (2011). How design of the physical environment impacts on early learning: Educators and parents perspectives. Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 36(4), 102-110. Gordon, A., & Browne, K. W. (2012).Beginning essentials in early childhood education.Florence, KY: Wadsworth Publ. Halsey, A. H. (2013). Reflections on education and social mobility.British Journal Of Sociology Of Education, 34(5/6), 644-659. Hesterman, S. (2013). Early childhood designs for multiliteracies learning. Australian Journal Of Language & Literacy, 36(3), 158-168. Johnston, J., &Halocha, J. (2010).Early childhood and primary education: Readings and reflections.Maidenhead: Open University Press. Maddern, K. (2010). Nature vs nurture at the unit that gives pupils an outside chance. Times Educational Supplement, (4871), 12-14. McLean, K. (2013). Literacy and technology in the early years of education: Looking to the familiar to inform educator practice.Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 38(4), 30-41. Petrill, S. A. (2003). Nature, nurture, and the transition to early adolescence. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Swann, A. (2005). The Role of Media and Emerging Representation in Early Childhood.Art Education, 58(4), 41-47. Wasserman, L. H., &Zambo, D. (2013).Early childhood and neuroscience-- links to development and learning.Dordrecht: Springer. Read More