Detecting Microaggressions

An example of a microaggression that I detected this week is a gender microsaggression. I was at work and a teacher walked into the office. We began to have a discussion about how there was trash around the dumpster that needed to be picked up. We have been having trash issues with the cleaners so I am usually the person to clean up the mess. The teacher suggested that we ask our only male teacher that we have because “He is a male and it should be his job to clean up the trash.” Of course, I would never have asked the only male teacher to clean the trash just because he is a male so I did it myself. I realized now looking back that I experienced a microsaggression. In that situation I told the teacher who made the comment that there was no way that I would ever do that.

This experience has led me to believe that microaggressions happen more then I realize. Many are unintentional and not meant to hurt the other person’s feelings but can easily if not well-thought-out. Discrimination, prejudice, and stereotypes are very serious and need to be taken into consideration as soon as possible. Within the work place it is very important to try and eliminate any type of negative behavior /comments toward others.

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

1.       Culture is a way to express beliefs and traditions.

Diversity is a mix of different cultures and nationalities in the same community.

 2.       Culture is traditions of certain ethnic groups.

Diversity is the differences in traditions or ways of life.

 

3.       Culture is generally accepted customs within a certain demographic.

Diversity is the varying culture within one given demographic.

 

The aspects of culture that are included in the aspects that I received are the following: expression of beliefs and traditions within ethnic groups and customs within a certain demographic. The aspects of diversity that are included in the aspects that I received are the following: mix of different cultures into one community, different traditions, different ways of living, and the varying culture within one given demographic.

 

There were no answers that I omitted for this assignment.

 

Thinking about other people definitions of culture and diversity has influenced my own thinking of these topics because I have further realized that finding one accurate definition of either culture or diversity is difficult. There is so many specifics that are involved in the meaning of culture and diversity. I think that is why I am continuing to learn more and more on the meaning as I continue my course work here at Walden.

 

My Family Culture

The three items that I would choose are the following: my grandmother’s wedding ring, my grandfather’s Purple Heart medal, and a picture of my family.

 

I would explain to others how my grandmother’s wedding ring is important to me because it symbolizes the love that my grandmother and my grandfather shared. I was very close with my grandparents my entire life and they taught me many of the things I know today.

 

I would explain to other how my grandfather’s Purple Heart medal is important because it is a representation of how he fought for my country which is where I am from. It reminds me of his dedication and work ethic that he represented throughout the World War II. 

 

I would explain to others that a picture of my family is important because I am able to remember the times we share together. My family is the most important thing to me in my life so I feel like a picture would help me feel at home if I had it with me.

 

If I was told upon arrival that I could only keep one of the three items I would be devastated. I cannot even imagine how I would feel if I had to leave my country and leave everything of importance behind. This assignment has taught me that it was difficult to narrow down to three items of what I would keep with me to represent my culture. Many of the things that I have symbolize my family culture because it is who I am as a person.

Closure to Building Research Competency

I have learned a large amount of information from this course in regard to research. I have learned that in order to conduct a research study, the researcher has to prepare in depth. I never realized the amount of time and effort that a research study takes before this class.

My ideas have changed about research because I now realize how much work that a study takes to prepare and complete. I also realize how important it is to follow the procedures in a study in order to correctly gather information.  The lesson that I learned about planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood that I learned is that it takes a lot of dedication and preparing in order to plan, design, and conduct the correct way.

Some of the challenges I encountered was thinking of the way to word the research question itself. I felt my topic was very broad so it was important to narrow down the topic. I met my challenge throughout learning how to research throughout the readings and feedback from my fellow colleagues.

Early Childhood Australia

“Early Childhood Australia will advocate ensuring quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.” (Early Childhood Australia, 2012)

Some of the current Australian research topics addressed are the early childhood framework, school readiness, children’s transition to schools/grades, children’s health, children’s obesity, baby and toddler sleeping, sustainability, global warming, and climate change. There was a vast majority of research topics which touched base on many of the topics we focus on in the United States related to early childhood education.

I found it interesting that the website has the state/territory branches separated and describes the goals of each state/territory branch. I also found it interesting when I read the paper, “ECA Position Paper on Children of Asylum Seekers, Children of Refugees and Children in Detention”. It was interesting to see the perspective of Australia for children who are refugees. The paper discusses how children’s needs should/can be met and how individuals in Australia can help these children have special protection and care. “Half of the world's refugees are children. They need special protection and care.”

I found The Research in Practice Series was very interesting and worth taking notes on. “The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.” The books are a resource for individuals who work within the early childhood field. The series focuses on the ‘hands-on’ aspects of early childhood education. I believe that ‘hands-on’ is so important to incorporate into the field of early childhood and is the core of children’s learning.

Resource:

Early Childhood Australia - http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

 

 

Conducting a Research Study

The one research study that I would conduct is a study of the impact that television has on children – mentally, emotionally, and physically. Within this study, I would focus primarily on children who have parents of the upper-middle class, who have very busy life styles. I would want to find out the percentage of children who have television take up most of their free time outside of school. I want to find out how many of these children have social issue concerning their ability to communicate with others and hold friendships and/or are in the percentage of obesity.

The positive contributions of this particular study would be the result of having the upper-middle class realizing the negative impact that television has on children. I would hope that this would positively influence parents to have their children become active and involved in society.  I understand that these studies have already taken place but I think it would be interesting to be able to conduct a study and choose the children to focus on relating to their mental, emotional, and physical abilities.

Research Simulation Topic

Hello all!

The subtopic that I decided to focus on during my Research Simulation for the duration of the course is the following: How building relationships with family members can positively affect a child’s life. I chose this topic because I believe that it is extremely important to have open communication with family members when working within an educational setting. I want to find out ways to handle situations when family members place their involvement in their child’s schooling as a last priority on their list of importance.

Throughout my research thus far, I have learned that it is important to take into consideration the demands of parents/guardians time and the expectations that are held to a parent in our society. I have also learned that teachers/leaders in the educational field should not expect family members to know how to be involved/judge a family if they are not involved. It is important that we as educators focus on the families strengths and look at the family communication in a new light.

I just received my first position in management in the early childhood field. I am going to be an Assistant Director in a day care center. I would like to ask my fellow colleagues a question – can you give me any advice on what to do in building relationships with families as a new leader in the center? Also, do you have an advice on how to deal with difficult parents/guardians? Any advice at all to give a beginner related to building rapport with family members within a center? Any information/advice is very much appreciated!