Entry 5: Four Ways of Looking at Myself as a Learner/Educator

Looking Backwards: About half way through the Hunter MS in ECE program, I find that I have a much better handle on the important theories, history, and strategies that heavily influence the field. Through the foundation courses, and in the more specific subject courses, I have noticed several concepts that continue to reappear and influence my own philosophy of education. The most important of these concepts are: the constructivist theory, or the belief that children are constructors of their own knowledge, the importance of balance and all aspects of learning, as well as the need for differentiation and anti-bias education. These reoccurring concepts have shaped my views of ECE and influence the way I approach learning in the classroom.

Looking Inwards: As an ECE student, I’ve grown and changed in many ways. I have not only learned more about developmentally appropriate and best practices for children, but also the reasoning and research behind them. This has strengthened me as an educator, providing me with a deeper understanding of children’s development and learning. Realizing that, as a teacher, I must also be a life long learner to lead children by example is probably one of the most significant changes I’ve experienced. I’ve also learned the importance of being and advocate for developmentally appropriate practices and best practices. These realizations have inspired me to continually seek to better myself both professionally and personally.

Looking Outward: My education at Hunter has greatly impacted the way I approach learning in the classroom. I’ve learned to ask questions that help children make their own connections, and to give constructive feedback that not only improves learning and understanding, but also encourages children to be resilient. Using theory and research-based practices, such as constructivist theory, social-constructivist theory, information processing, and ecological theory, better inform my own practice. Guidelines, like the DAP, and knowledge of different approaches such as Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Head Start give me a framework of good practices to guide my own teaching. Knowledge and understanding of the field of ECE has been the most impactful in the way I have reshaped my philosophy of education.

Looking Forward: My short-term goals for continued professional development include passing all exams for certification and to graduate with my masters and certification in the spring of 2016. My long-term goals include becoming a certified kids yoga instructor, possibly pursuing a doctorate in education, and to open my own preschool abroad. I strongly value continued professional development and consider myself to be a life long learner.