Hi everyone,
We really had the great discussion on Tuesday. We were not only a part of Bernstein’ theory (as Samaneh said) but we were also in the Activity Theory. Actually, these theories are found existing around us. The thing is whether we can recognize or realize or not, isn’t it? Thanks to Ian and other classmates, especially Michele, I got another point of view for my topic. I need to look at the reality of the educational standard in the context of the society such as school/government policy. Sometimes, teachers know that this is the right thing to do (play-based learning-my topic) but under the pressure of the educational standards (No Child Left Behind Act) in practice, this approach can not be implemented in the class. However, with the collected tools, i am confident to encourage and stimulate teachers to give children “the right to play”.
I would like to receive your opinions/comments to contribute to my proposal!
Thanks all,
Ly
3 comments:
Sounds like you already have a strong view point on your topic, the trick is to be able to present both sides.
KT
Hey Ly!
I was so worried after Tuesday night that I might have complicated your life and your assignment rather than have helped you at all. So it’s great to hear that you were able to take something away from the discussion. I personally think you have a great contemporary topic which is so relevant and vital in the Early Years Education right now. As I mentioned previously, it was the topic of conversation at this year’s Early Learning Expo (an expo where kindergartens and primary schools display their Prep programs for prospective families in my municipal area, we usually get a large number of families come through with quite a number of schools and kindergartens involved). One of the most popular questions was whether our Prep program was ‘Play-based’. Right next to our table at the expo was Brentwood Park (I’m 80% sure of the name) who runs a completely play based program under the guidance of Cathy Walker, who use to lecture at RMIT and is a real advocate for play based learning. Here is a link to some of her ideas, although it’s a little more about school readiness, it may help you get an insight about some of her ideals in case you want to look her up. She is fantastic and is truly inspirational. My next Early Learning Network meeting is actually going to be at Brentwood Park, I’ll keep you updated about my experiences there if you like. They are actually going to let us have a look at their play based program and their rooms. (I wonder whether you’d be interested in having a look too, I can look into it a little bit more if you’re interested, anyway we can talk further on Tuesday).
http://www.asg.com.au/images/About_ASG/media_resourses/PDF/WhatsTheHurry_SampleChapter.pdf
I must say, I’m quite excited about your topic Ly! I’d be really interested to see where your research will take you and what you’ll discover! Who knows maybe there’ll be opportunities to share your findings with my Early Learning Network! Very exciting stuff!!!
Hi Michele,
Sorry about replying late -)!Thanks a lot for your suggestion. This issue is really concerned in my country where the pressure of assessment has been put on children heavily. Some children are afraid of going to school. Therefore, i question that why teachers do make more fun in class to interest children's learning . NCLB's reading gives me a convincing answer. However, i am trying to encourage play-based learning in primary school in order to balance the seriousness in primary class.
I really like to see the school environment in Melbourne. If you can take me there, i would like to go.
Nice to hear from you!
Ly,
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