Methodologies in Education and professional practice - Research Paper Example

In practice however, not all children are able to fully develop fluency in the settlement language. While there is growing evidence of the advantages for pre-school education in immigrant children, the enrollment rate remains relatively low. Socio-economic status and financial costs are likely to be the strongest reasons for this occurrence. All of these data reveal the important role of education in the integration and inclusion of immigrant children and families. The school must take on a proactive role in providing support for immigrant children.

The research study that will be undertaken was borne out of this perspective. It aims to explore the impact of migration on family, childhood and education institutions in London as reflected in the challenges and difficulties of adaptation in the school setting. It also hopes to determine possible solutions to these challenges and difficulties. The study aims to answer three main questions: This study is of particular relevance to me personally and professionally. I am a teacher assistant, working through an agency, in different schools in London.

My professional goals include becoming a foundation stage teacher and this area of research will continue to enhance my knowledge and skills in dealing with immigrant children. My daily interactions with immigrant students allowed me to observe the challenges and difficulties they encounter as an effect of the family transition and adapting to new culture and environment. Although, there are a number of those who successfully integrate into the new educational conditions, there are those whose academic performances fall far below the average.

My interactions with parents, teachers and school administrators led me to hypothesise that certain factors (i.e. family and school environment) promote successful adaptation to the school setting. I have observed