Education Blogs - Studies of Society and Environment - Assignment Example

Education Blogs Task 1 The term SOSE is an umbrella term used to refer to social sciences. In Australia, the term has a specific meaning with regards to the studies that shape social sciences. Basically, this term stands for “Studies of Society and Environment” (SOSE). The main aim of the curriculum and studies that shape up SOSE is to ensure that the students are able to employ the knowledge about the sophisticated interactions that exist between people and their environments as well as between people to analyze political, social, cultural, environmental, and economic issues and ideas (Broadhead, 2010). SOSE is sometimes referred to as social sciences due to a number of reasons. One of the main reasons why SOSE is referred to as a social science is due to the fact that the various studies contained therein are concerned with human behaviors and the impact these have on the societal setting. The studies shaping up SOSE are also categorized in fields other than natural sciences. As a result, most people have resorted to classifying SOSE as a social science. The origin of SOSE is also a major reason with regards to why it is classified and referred to as a social science (Jarvis, George & Holland, 2009). SOSE is related to the EYLF and the National Curriculum in several ways. Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) is an important educational agenda with regards to early childhood care and education. Through the EYLF, the entire nation of Australia is able to formulate a framework through which the early childhood care program and education takes place. One of the main elements in the framework is interaction. SOSE provides EYLF with the information pertaining to the manner in which education is affected by the various forms of interaction. The national curriculum has invested so much in early childhood. SOSE continues to be a great resource with regards to research and analysis on the interaction between children and their environment in the course of early childhood education. Process, knowledge, and skills continue to be of great importance in the curricula. One of the main reasons why there is increased emphasis on process, knowledge, and skills is because these enable improved child participation in the early childhood educational activities (Broadhead, 2010). References Broadhead, P. (2010). Play and learning in the early years: from research to practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Incorporation. Jarvis, P., George , J., & Holland , W. (2009). The early years professional's complete companion. Harlow, England: Pearson Longman. Task 2 Over the years, my personal interaction with children has been very enriching. Personally, I believe that children learn best through their experiences, interactions and relationships with others. Children also learn effectively by being actively involved in various learning activities. Children are provided with the right environment for education when their rights and freedoms are taken into account. For instance, children have a right to express concern and any other view with regards to the matters that affect them in the process of learning. Such views and contributions should be taken seriously. In the educational setting, children have the freedom to impart, seek, and receive ideas and information (Fox & Oxenbury, 2008). Furthermore, I believe that children, have a right to participate in educational matters that affect them thus the interest of children should be at the center of the entire program. My interactions with children evidently reflect what I believe with regards to how children learn. For instance, in the course of my interactions with children, I always work towards ensuring that they have a voice in all the learning activities by allowing their involvement in the planning and implementation of learning activities that take place in the classroom. This approach is based on Reggio Emilia philosophy which accentuates on the need of children to have control over the direction and content of their learning. During my interactions with children, I always provide them with the opportunity to participate and express themselves. I also encourage children to learn through observation and experimentation. When interacting with children, I often consider myself as a facilitator in children process of learning. I facilitate the learning of children by engaging them in lesson planning and learning by asking them questions and actively engaging them in every learning activity within and without the classroom (Broderick, 2004). Evidently, my interactions with children reflect what I believe with regards to how children learn. References Broadhead, P. (2010). Play and learning in the early years: from research to practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Incorporation. Fox, M., & Oxenbury, H. (2008). Ten little fingers and ten little toes. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt. Task 3 Values are important as they play a central role in the development of our attitudes and behaviors. Often times, attitudes and behaviors of children are shaped by their parents, teachers and peers. When it comes to children, the best time to start training them with regards to attitudes and behaviors is when they are still young. The younger the child, the better the chance of achieving the best results from the educational programs. Children should be taught about values and the importance of values during their early years of education. This will ensure that a strong foundation is set in order for children to develop proper attitudes and behaviors in future (Broadhead, 2010). Early childhood educational programs should ensure that the importance of values in education is emphasised. In formulating various curricula frameworks and lesson plans ,values should be put into account. How well does a given study concept emphasize the importance of values? What values are embedded in a particular lesson? These are some of the questions that should act as guidelines for integrating values in children’s learning programs (Devereux, 2003). In every educational setting, the attitudes, beliefs and values of children are bound to interface with those of others. As a result, most children are bound to instinctively ‘like’ individuals who share common beliefs and values. It is thus crucial to harmonise values systems so as to build healthy relationships amongst children and those that they interact with. The endorsement of EYLF in 2009, is one of the current events in Australia that make it essential that children from an early age are inclusive in their approach to others who differ. Basically, the EYLF is based on the philosophy of “ Belonging , Being, Becoming” and its values emphasises on respectful relationships, partnerships, equity and respect for diversity. The principles embedded in the EYLF help to inculcate positive values, attitudes and behaviours (DEEWR, 2009). References Broadhead, P. (2010). Play and learning in the early years: from research to practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications Incorporation. Devereux, J. (2003). Working with children in the early years. London: David Fulton in association with the Open University. Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR) (2009). Belonging, Being and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Canberra: DEEWR Task 4 Some of the subjects I could discuss with young children in order to show how things have changed over time include; Indigenous Rights Information and communication technology Reforms in educations Globalisation Climate change Based on my own experiences, I could share stories with the children about climate change. For instance, I could talk to them how when growing up, there were a lot of trees and green vegetations. We would climb on top of trees to get fruits and sit under the trees to escape the stifling rays of the sun. However, with time most of these trees have been cut down and used for making furniture and in the construction of buildings. The cutting down of trees has in turn affected weather patterns and contributed to climate change and global warming. I would also invite an elderly member of the society to talk about the changes that have taken place in the environment. Some of the resources I would use in these discussions include, relevant illustration children books and pictures. Task 5 The internet provides a wide range of teaching and learning resources on history topics that can be used in early childhood classrooms. For instance museum sites such as enjoy-darwin.com provides a wide range of learning and teaching resources on history topics. This site show cases historical sites such as the Darwin Museums, The Australian Aviation Heritage Centre, World War II Oil Storage Tunnels, Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and East Point Military Museum among many others. These historical sites provide a glimpse into Australia’s history. For instance; the Australian Aviation Heritage Centre show cases the country’s aviation history through exhibits such as the B25 Mitchell Bomber, B52 bomber Spitfire replica and the Sabre jet among many other jets. The World War II Oil Storage Tunnels based in Darwin City provide a glimpse of the historic World War II. These tunnels were constructed in the course of World War II and they currently commemorate the bombing of Darwin harbour decades ago. Similarly, Museum & Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, one of the largest museums in Darwin showcases objects of aboriginal history. For instance, this museum exhibits the Cyclone Tracy. In addition to this, the East Point Military Museum which is located on the site of World War II fortifications also provides rich historic lessons on the World War II. This site displays military activities in Darwin in the course of the war and is also used to commemorate the bombing of the Darwin harbour (Enjoy-darwin.com). References Darwin Museums and Historical Sites. Retrieved on July 28, 2010 from Task 6 Teaching children how to care for the environment is crucial since it will eventually make a difference in future. Often times children seems to have an in-built awareness of why and how to take care of the environment. Nevertheless, it is crucial to teach them principles of environmental conservation and good problem-solving approaches so as to ensure that they become fully aware and responsible of their actions as individuals towards the environment (Teach Kids How, 2012). Some of the topics that can be used to enable children to effectively learn about the environment and conservation include; Taking care of animals Taking care of plants Recycling Tips for water usage Fun fact about the weather Since most children learn about the environment by interacting with it, it is important to teach children about environmental conservation through hands-on experiences. In addition to this, it is important to employ an interactive approach to teaching so as to elicit the participation and interests of children towards environmental conservancy. Some of the activities that can be used to foster children‘s attitude of concern and care for the environment include; Teach children a song that will help to elicit good environment –friendly habits such as throwing rubbish in the bin, planting a tree, watering plants, switching lights off and turning taps off when not in use (Ardon, 2008). Involve children in tree planting or garden tending activities. Story telling on themes related to the environment. Narration of stories with pictures of different natural sceneries such as rivers, forests, oceans and mountains. Outdoor activities that involve collecting substances that pollute the environment such as plastics and papers. Provide children with tools and equipments such as magnifying glasses for investigating and experimenting on the elements in their environment (Sierra Club, 1999). These activities will help children to obtain hands-on experience on how to become responsible towards their surrounding environment. References Ardon, C. (2008). The Environment. Retrieved on July 28, 2010 from Sierra Club (1999). Environmental Education. Retrieved on July 28, 2010 from Teach Kids How. (2012). Teach Your Child to Care for the Environment. Retrieved on July 28, 2010 from Read More