Expressions of Gratitude

I am quite appreciative and grateful to be taking my professional journey alongside each one of you.  Thank you for sharing all of your knowledge, which has enhanced my insights as an early childhood educator.  I wish you all great success in both your personal lives as well as your career!  Best wishes with your future endeavours!


Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate~Anonymous

Mismeasurement?

The reason educators assess students is to provide the necessary instruction that provides optimal learning.  Assessments are usually in the form of standardized testing.  Standardized testing is when a student from different states and countries take the same test (with the same questions in the same amount of time). 

Standardized test are flawed in regards to measuring what a child has learned.  The flaws appear when standardized testing makeup is biased-favor one type of student.  The tests are designed for English speaking, upper/middle class white students.  The tests do not take into account the larger audience of students: different learning styles/abilities, physical disabilities, mental disabilities, SES, cultural barriers, language barriers, and those who experience test anxiety. 

Once again, I cannot stress the importance of teaching different learning styles. Every child is different. Learning will be different, thus testing styles have to adapt to each child’s learning style.  Therefore, I have to agree with John Merrow when he implies, “A more rational approach is broad-based assessment, which involves multiple measures of what a student has learned. Assessment relies on teacher-made tests, teacher evaluations, student demonstrations, etc. all over an extended period of time, instead of one score on a single, largely machine-scored test (even if it includes a writing test). Unfortunately, the supporters of high-stakes testing have more faith in machines than they do in teachers.”

China’s Approach

In an online article by Good Education, Minxuan Zhang, the Director-General of the Center for International Education Studies, Ministry of Education, China, and National Project Manager of PISA, states that China’s view of education no longer includes rote learning or high stakes testing that some of their counterparts, such as the United States rely on.  Zhang places emphasis on the educational process as opposed to the testing result.  She expresses,

"If we want to build a good system, we cannot only rely on testing at the end of learning. Testing implies that the student has finished the educational system. The most important thing is not just to see the testing results, but to pay close attention to the educational process. The process of education is much more important than the testing."

China has taken a different approach to education and testing in comparison to the United States.  Maybe the U.S. needs to research and observe what is working for China and utilize the learned knowledge to the benefit the children of the United States in regards to standardized testing.

                       

John Merrow (2001) Excerpted from Choosing Excellence: "Good Enough" Schools Are Not Good Enough Scarecrow Press. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/schools/testing/merrow.html

http://www.good.is/post/do-we-need-to-ditch-high-stakes-testing-to-compete-with-china/

Quality of Death

As I encountered the assignment for this week, I could not think of any stressors that I was exposed to as a child.  However, as I took on the second part of the assignment I immediately thought about the environmental pollution of China and the effects it would have on its children. 

Simultaneously, China is experiencing substantial economic growth as well as substantial growth with environmental problems.  China’s economic growth is very successful because it is driven by numerous factories that produce various products that is very lucrative.  Unfortunately, it is these same factories that dump deadly toxins into the air and water. “Cement factories, steel mills, chemical factories, and coal-fired power plants are among the biggest polluters” (facts and details).  The environmental pollution in China is not to be taken lightly.  It is causing major detriment to major Chinese monuments.  For example, “Acid rain corrodes the Great Wall; parts of the Grand Canal resemble open sewers; parts of Shanghai are slowly sinking because water beneath them has been sucked out; and some cities are so clogged with air pollution they don't appear in satellite pictures” (facts and details).  In addition, to the detriment environmental pollution has on major Chinese landmarks it is also detrimental to unborn fetuses, newborns, and children.

In 2009, according to the China Daily, researchers have linked environmental pollution to the high rate of birth defects in China.  It is also stated in the China Daily,

If pregnant women are exposed to air pollution, it increases the risk of giving birth to under-weight infants, said a study conducted by Yale University.

The higher the level of exposure to nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide and particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), the greater is the risk of having low-weight babies," it said.

Environmental exposure to specific combustion pollutants during pregnancy can result in chromosomal abnormalities in fetal tissues, according to another research done by the Columbia University Center for Children's Environmental Health.

  

Journalist for the New York Times, Sharon Lafraniere, sheds light on the affects of mass lead poisoning of children of China- Zhejiang Province, 200 miles southeast of Mengxi.  Lead poisoning is being caused be major factories producing and distributing batteries for motorbikes and cars.  I was particularly choked up on Lafraniere’s report, which she interviewed a father of a 3 year old who has leading poisoning caused by the deadly emissions from the battery factory that is across the street from their home.  The 3 year-old name is Han Tiantian. Her father describes their story as follows:

Her father, Han Zongyuan, a factory worker, said he learned in March that she had absorbed enough lead to irreversibly diminish her intellectual capacity and harm her nervous system.

“At the moment I heard the doctor say that, my heart was shattered,” Mr. Han said in an interview last week. “We wanted this child to have everything. That’s why we worked this hard. That’s why we poisoned ourselves at this factory. Now it turns out the child is poisoned too. I have no words to describe how I feel.”

Such sentiment has echoed across the continent of China in regards to the ramifications that environmental pollution has on children.

Unfortunately, during my research on the flagrant environmental violations China has imposed on its people I have found that the government of China is not putting forth any efforts to make the quality of life better for her people.  I feel that the common phrase, “quality of life” is viewed only in a negative light in regards to the Chinese people.  Therefore, it should be labeled as "quality of death." Despite the pressure of the public the government seems to be doing nothing about this deadly situation.  According to The Wall Street Journal, there are numerous cities in China that do not live up to the standards of the World Health Organization of air pollution.  This was reported in September 2011.

As recent as January 23, 2012, in an article titled, Combating Pollution Data: Beijing vs. U.S. Embassy on PM 2.5, of The Wall Journal posted information that “authorities are not doing enough to combat this issue.

I am saddened to know that China has sacrificed its environment and humanity for economic growth.  My heart is heavy.  It is one thing to notice the ramifications this destruction has caused over the decades, but to turn a blind eye and deaf ear to it is just unacceptable. 

http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/01/23/comparing-pollution-data-beijing-vs-u-s-embassy-on-pm2-5/

http://www.chinahush.com/2009/10/21/amazing-pictures-pollution-in-china/

http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2009-01/31/content_7433211.htm

ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN CHINA Factsanddetails.com/China

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/15/world/asia/15lead.html?pagewanted=all

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970204331304577144494232450680.html

Public Health Measures: Breastfeeding

As we have learned from EDUC6500 and as we continue to learn in EDUC6160 that establishing and maintaining nurturing relationships from birth is extremely beneficial and has lasting ramifications socially and emotionally.  Scientists in the early childhood field such as Bronfenbrenner, Ainsworth, and Bowlby have proven that this early bond or attachment allows the child to engage in positive relationships with their peers and adults. 

Another form of bonding which has substantial benefits is breastfeeding.  Breastfeeding affects a child’s development by adding nutritional value.  Breastfeeding allows the newborn to get milk directly from his/her mother.  This human milk provides the appropriate nutrients needed for the infant to survive and grow. If the development of the infant is unhealthy, it causes greater complications with their physical and cognitive growth and development.  Breast milk not only provides opportunity for the infant and mother to bond, but it also provides numerous health benefits for both the mother and infant.  I think that this simple act has such a great impact on both the mother and child.  Therefore, if circumstances allow every mother should provide this amazing gift to their infant.

In this article, Cultural beliefs that may discourage breastfeeding among Lebanese

Women published by The International Breastfeeding Journal researchers found that Lebanese women believed that nursing their infant provided harm to their infant.  Therefore, all of these beliefs caused a decline in women breastfeeding in Lebanon.  The study was done with healthy, first time mothers.  Here are some of the beliefs about breastfeeding mentioned:

Several mothers called the hotline for assistance to figure out whether their milk was "good" or "bad". Bad milk could be milk that was not nutritionally adequate for an infant's growth, or in the extreme cases, it could potentially "poison" the baby. Women asked about indications that would allow them to determine if their milk was good or bad, often stating that someone (usually a family member), had told them that their milk must be bad because the baby was fussy, not lasting long enough between feeds, not sleeping well or not growing adequately.

A common belief was that maternal abdominal pain could be transmitted to the infant through the breast milk and result in colic. Mothers were especially concerned about transferring their abdominal cramps to their infants if the infants were fussy.

Although most concerns were related to the mother harming her infant by having insufficient or poor quality milk, in some instances, there was some concern that the infant could harm the mother when breastfeeding. For instance, some women expressed the belief that if the baby burped while breastfeeding the mother would develop a breast infection.

This is just a few of the beliefs that Lebanese women have become to believed.  Some have been passed down from generations.  It is obvious that despite the common knowledge that several countries have in regards to breastfeeding, there are still some who have not received the pertinent information on breastfeeding. Unfortunately, this misinformation has an ultimate affect on the development of the child.

http://www.internationalbreastfeedingjournal.com/content/pdf/1746-4358-4-12.pdf

Childbirth

My views on childbirth stem from my personal birthing experience.  I enjoyed being pregnant.  It was simply mind boogling to watch and feel another human being grow within.  At the prenatal stage, it is very important to take care of yourself because your actions affect the development of your child within the womb.   You must be responsible for eating healthy, prenatal vitamins, exercising, regular doctor visits, and educating yourself on the the process of birth.  These actions whether positive or negative have an impact on your unborn fetus as well as the delivery.
I gave birth to my one and only child 17 months ago via c-section.  With the help of my doctor I delivered a beautiful baby girl!  I was admitted to the hospital due to the fact that my water broke.  Once admitted, I was induced, having the drug pitocin administered and increased every 30 minutes.  I crossed the threshold of the critical period of 17 hours after my water having broke in which bacteria could set in and harm the baby, therefore, I was scheduled for an emergency c-section.  In addition, I was contracting only with the drug pitocin and I did not dilate beyond four centimeters.  I was sent to the operating room after my labor did not progress.  Although I enjoyed being pregnant and watching my belly and body change, I was completely terrified of the birthing experience, due to the fact that I a have a phobia of needles and a low threshold for pain.  So to say the least, the operating room was the most traumatic part of my birthing experience.  I managed to live through it :-) and as a result God blessed me with my daughter.  She was born 11:32 in the morning.  Once she was placed on my chest, I broke out into an uncontrollable cry.  So many feelings and emotions ran through me.  After nine months of not knowing what she would look like, how much she would weigh, whether she would be healthy-all of these unknowns vanished when I heard and saw her for the very first time.
Although my uncomplicated pregnancy and birth was over, I had no idea what was in store for me over the coming days, weeks, and month.  The next day, upon the her first assessment by her pediatrician, her abdomen appeared to be distended and test where down to verify that her bowels where blocked.  After what seemed to be a normal  night and brief morning of bonding, breast feeding, nurturing and caring for my child she was taken from me and placed in NICU.  A day later we were medvac to Sick Kids in Toronto.  This was a whole other level of feelings and emotions that I can not even begin to describe.  Once we arrived she was admitted in NICU Sick Kids, where she did very well and was then moved to the general surgery floor.  Here, all praises and thanks to God she did not need any surgery because her bowels unblocked on their own.  In the weeks to come she appeared healthy and she was discharged and we flew back home to finally begin a normal life-at least I thought.  To make a long story short, the months that followed she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.  Up until this point in my life I had never heard of cystic fibrosis and to this day I am still educating myself on this disease.  I am so grateful for her having her in my life.  She is not only a source of joy for me, but also my family, friends, and even strangers we encounter in the grocery store, restaurants, parks, etc. with her big personality.

In regards to childbirth around the world, I would like to compare Bermuda with the U.S.  I left Bermuda and lived in the U.S. for many years.  During these years I had family members and friends who gave birth.  I was with them during their pregnancy, I visited them in the hospital, and I remained in their lives as their child grew.  Both countries are similar in the prenatal care of the unborn fetus, which I mentioned above that it is vital to ensure that the pregnant woman maintains a healthy lifestyle during her   pregnancy.  Whether the pregnant woman is making healthy choices or not can affect the unborn fetus in a negative or positive way also once the fetus is born.  Women in both countries have the same services available to them, such as clinics, private doctors, mid wives, birthing classes, hospital tours, etc.  The differences are very suttle in the area of cosmetics.  For example, the birthing rooms are incredibly small and once you give birth you are moved to the maternity ward where according to insurance you are in a semi private room or a public room.  In the U.S. this is not an option.  The room you give birth in you remain in during your hospital stay and your significant other can stay with you.  I think that is vital, if the father is involved because immediately he can bond with the child as this has a positive affect on the newborn.

Powerful Sayings

Lyndon B. Johnson's 1964 Economic Opportunity Act: "Investing in children now will save money in costly services down the road."

Renatta M. Cooper-Program Specialist, Office of Child Care, L.A. County Chief Administration Office: "I had no idea how to support a family through this, but I know I needed to learn."

Personal Childhood Web

Personal Childhood Web

Mekesha

• Parents
• Bermudian Family
• American Family
• Childhood Teacher
• Church Family

Parents- Initial individuals to instill me with the necessary morals to be a successful citizen and my mother continues to be my cheerleader, support system, and biggest fan.  My father is deceased.

Bermudian Family- (Father’s side) Especially my aunt Marlene and aunt Rochelle; they were and remain supportive of me, next to my mother.  They are both like my second mother to this very day.  In addition to my mother, they are responsible for nurturing and educating me of my Bermudian heritage.

American Family- (Mother’s side) Especially my grandmother and aunt Mattie; I used to spend summer and Christmas holiday with them.  They are responsible for nurturing and educating me of my American (southern) heritage. 

Childhood Teacher- Mrs. Estravit (Primary 7 teacher).  I was distraught when I got my test results to determine which high school I would go to.  I didn’t do well on the exam and I wasn’t routed for an academic high school.  I cried, cried, and cried.  Mrs. Estravit consoled my and whispered in my ear, “it is not where you go, but what you do when you get there.”  Those are words I lived by then and I continue to live by.

Church Family- In addition to my parents, my church family reiterated the necessary morals I should live by in order to be successful in life.  Here I was taught to live by the words of God and Jesus-what is right, what is wrong, and what were the consequences of both.  I also was baptized and had my First Communion ceremony here.

My grandparents and I during our Wednesday night dinner (father's parents)

My grandmother (mother's mother)

My aunt Marlene at my birthday party-brother and cousins looking on

My mother and her sisters

My parents and I

My dad and I