"I want my children to understand the world, but not just because the world is fascinating and the human mind is curious. I want them to understand it so that they will be positioned to make it a better place. Knowledge is not the same as morality, but we need to understand if we are to avoid past mistakes and move in productive directions. An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do... Ultimately, we must synthesize our understandings for ourselves. The performance of understanding that try matters are the ones we carry out as human beings in an imperfect world which we can affect for good or for ill. (Howard Gardner 1999: 180-181)"(Smith, 2002-2008.
Howard Gardner, to me, the pioneer of multiple intelligences believes that intelligence is the ability and skills needed to seek the knowledge needed to creatively solve problems and contribute to a culture. The quote above depicts his personal desire to educate children so that they can become active members of society, understanding how their personal contributions con either contribute to the betterment or facilitate the negative of society. To me, that is what being an early childhood professional is about, fostering the development of children so that they can one day change their world. As Lillian Katz once said, “Remember that whoever might be president of our country in 40 or 50 years is likely to be in someone’s early childhood program today; and I hope she is having a good experience!” (Katz, 2001) As early childhood professionals we have the obligation, maybe more important, the opportunity to provide children with the skills to clearly view and change their world.
Smith, M. (2002,2008). Howard Garnder Multiple Intelligence and Education. Retrieved December 10, 2010, from Infed: http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm
Katz, L. G. (2001). Last Class Notes. Retrieved December 17, 2010, from CEEP: http://ceep.crc.illinois.edu/pubs/katzsym/katz.pdf
Hi Sondi,
ReplyDeleteI loved the part in the quote that says,"An important part of that understanding is knowing who we are and what we can do...". This piece is missing from education. The curricula expects every child to be a cookie cut from the same cutter, meaning, there is not uniqueness in education.
I just want to thank you for sharing your experiences with us. You have given me insights and ideas that are greatly appreciated. I hope to see you in the next set of courses.
Sondi,
ReplyDeleteYou hit right to the heart of childhood. It is truly amazing how environmental influences affect children!
I am glad I met you in this class and hope to continue working with you in upcoming courses. Thank you for your inputs. I learned a lot. :)
Chrissy
Sondi,
ReplyDeleteIf I had to come up with one word to describe this journey in this course with you it would be.....REMARKABLE! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading any and everything that you post. I love this last quotes because it definitely targets what teachers want for their children. Every person working a child wants to provide that child with opportunities to make their mark on the world. It has definitely been a pleasure and best of luck on the completion of your degree.
Sondi,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the comment that says we want children to understand the world so they can make it a better place. Television and the media is not teaching children anything about making the world a better place. Thanks for your participation in this course. Good luck and hope to see you in another course soon!