There are many benefits when one collaborate with colleagues at any level. As part of the learning activities in the course, I developed a collaborative relationship with a colleague from South Africa, the experience has been both revealing and beneficial, giving me a cherished opportunity of learning about the international early childhood field with particular reference to South Africa. My personal and professional growth has been extraordinarily great as a result of the interaction.
The consequences of engaging in such professional learning for me include acquisition of skills and strategies needed for effective and professional communication across culture; development of strategies and skills that help in working successfully with international colleagues; and enhancement of greater creativity- I have through the interaction been able to modify my professional goals in a tandem with my passion. I also discovered that such interaction can boost one's sense of competence and confidence as it enhances ones academic skills, increases one's knowledge base of issues in the field, and helps in enlarging one's perspective.
In a rapidly changing and highly globalised world, issues and trends in early education childhood field among nations of the world are more similar than different which makes international collaboration between practitioners in the field necessary and of tremendous benefits to practitioners and the field. The world is fast becoming a global village and the problems surrounding a field in one country are often issues in other countries as well ( Smith 2001). From learning and awareness got through such collaboration, an important window for globally looking at common issues and trends might be opened and might form a vital part or starting point of problem-solving globally.
References:
Smith, D. (2001). Collaborative research: Policy and management of knowledge creation in UK universities. Higher Education Quarterly, 55(2), 131-157
Shola, It has been interesting reading your blog and comparing what your South African educator friend has said with what mine has said. I have also grown so much in these interactions, and by reading other blogs. The reflection that you gave about these interactions boosting your competence and confidence and increasing our knowledge base are benefits that I believe we have all gained. Not only through our blog interactions, but through our interactions on the discussion boards with people who are different yet the same. Wishing you the best as you continue on with your Master's journey.
ReplyDeleteShola,
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to think about global problem-solving. Perhaps, someday, we will have a version of NAEYC on a global level. Wouldn't that be interesting!
Have a happy holiday!
Mary L.
Thanks Cindy and Mary. It has been a highly beneficial learning experience with you and other colleagues. Wishing you the best as we continue our journey through this program. Have a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.
ReplyDeleteShola, it is always a pleasure reading your blogs every week and I am sure you learned a great deal from your contact, I know I learned a lot from your posts. I was, in a way, living through your experience because I could not get in contact with anyone myself, but it was truely educational and I could tell your passion was igniting before us all. As always, thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteShola, I enjoyed reading through your blog..looking forward in sharing with you this semester.I am very interested in global collaboration in early childhood education. I am looking forward in a learning journey with you.
ReplyDelete