Early Childhood Education: A different voyage of learning, self-discovery, and exploration
Among the many changes, 2020 brought immense changes in early childhood education. Remote learning, changing schedules, and new hygiene protocol altered the way young children attended school around the world.
How do early years influence children in the long run? And how can we incorporate play-based learning?
Those questions and the topic of early education were the main topics for this panel.
Panelists include Clayton Mullins (Western Co-Principal, Early Childhood Education, Yew Chung International School), Amy-Leigh Hood (Assistant Co-Principal, Early Childhood Education, Yew Chung International School), and Prof Kerry Lee (Head of Department of Early Childhood Education, Education University of Hong Kong). The discussion is moderated by Laura Westbrook (Senior Reporter, South China Morning Post).
The first topic of discussion is the takeaways from 2020. Clayton speaks about the importance of educators and schools having partnerships with families. We’ve seen how crucial it’s been for teachers and parents to be adaptable, as well as 21st-century skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking.
Amy talks about what has worked well for teachers. In her experience, a constant collaboration between teachers and families has been the most important thing. She credits the efforts of teachings to create a holistic e-learning environment that has helped children continue to manage their learning and cope with the transition.
Next, Kerry talks about the role technology changes childhood development. It’s a tough question to answer, but it’s important to prepare children in a digital world. They must be able to discern trustworthy information and credible sources. He emphasizes that we must strike a balance between traditional pedagogy and play-based structure. Parents should imagine the kind of future we are preparing children for. As humans, children are the same as those from the past, but how they interact with the world and the speed they must learn is quite different based on modern-day digital landscape.
Lastly, the topic turns toward holistic learning, including mental health. Amy-Leigh explains that this growing need has and continue to rely on supporting families through fellowships, book clubs, and more. They’ve offered as much support as possible, in light of parents and students working from home. In addition to ensuring the well-being of her students and teachers, her school has worked hard to support parents as well.
Overall, panelists agree on the important role that technology and the digital landscape play in childhood development. During these unprecedented times, holistic learning also involves remote classrooms and providing necessary support to parents.
Join our SCMP Parents Facebook Group to view the full recording of this panel discussion, and to engage with fellow attendees of our education events.
