Chua Xin Ling, Joyce (S10171936A)

​

Awareness of Early Childhood Issues

This module has enabled me to research, discover, and broadened my knowledge in regards to the EC Sector. I came across and explored various topics such as bilingualism, manpower, and professional development, and settled for manpower sustainability-factors that encourages educators to remain in the sector.

 

From the interview conducted with the centre principal, it made me realise the importance of being supportive, and having a good support system. As an individual who is reserved and not expressive in feelings, one of my key takeaways from this project was the impacts of small actions. They speak loudly. Every task and job is a stepping stone for something bigger, and even the smallest task helps to complete the big picture. One encouragement note or note of acknowledgement could brighten a person’s day. I have also realised that everyone wants to be appreciated and acknowledged.

 

Regarding the feedbacks given, some of our survey questions were vague and deemed inappropriate in the principal’s point of view. Our recommendations, however, was well received by the principal. Although the checklist is not official, she mentioned that it was a good idea to help gauge the educators’ readiness for more challenging tasks. The encouragement board is something that she would try out in the centre, as the environment in the centre is very intimate and supportive.

 

The process of gathering data and survey was tedious and detailed, one misplan can mess up the intended timeline. From my experience, I have learnt that it is good to give deadlines, especially for the survey to ensure work being done on time. It is also a good idea to inform and give an outline of the things that can be expected. For example, we required a principal for this project. The experience can be better if we were to preempt the principal about how her help is needed, and the outline of out tasks that requires her help. This way, it allows her to prepare mentally, and knows what to expect next.

​

Personal growth

Throughout this project, there were challenges despite being a group formed by common interest. We had different working styles, and agreed with different ideas. Since it was a group work, the way we organize things were different as well. Therefore, the work was divided into different tasks, and each of us were assigned tasks that we are most efficient in doing. We trusted each other to put in effort and to complete the tasks. For example, the interview conducted was divided into two roles, interviewers and scribers. The ones who are more outspoken took onto the roles of interviewers, asking questions and continuing the conversation with the principal.

​

Communication was part of our little disagreement that we had. Some of us wanted to meet up personally, while others preferred to do it digitally. I have learnt to communicate directly and objectively, speaking and addressing the issues and then eventually come to an understanding with the rest. Communication is inevitable and the most crucial part in group project. It is essential to communicate ideas, and it lessens the chances of having miscommunication and disagreements.

 

With so many challenges faced, my problem solving skills were honed. I have learnt to speak up, and let my ideas and opinion be known and taken into consideration. I have also listened to others and their ideas, so that we were able to perform well and effectively. One example was in regards to changing our inquiry question. At first, our question was “What causes educators to leave the sector?”. However, after the interview, it made more sense to me that we should explore the factors that encourages educators to remain in the sector instead. After this realisation, I voiced out, and my teammates listened and we discussed about it.

 

Through this project, I am confident to say that I have grown in the aspect of trying to convey ideas and speaking up. This is important in the EC sector as teachers have to plan lessons and organize events. Without proper communication skills, misunderstandings can happen, and most importantly, my idea would not get known to others, and it might cause the children to miss out certain opportunities and learning experiences.