To view young children holistically would refer to looking at the total
experience of the young child. Every sense absorbing information, from the
moment a child is born and as they age they accumulate the information in their
brains and gradually piece it all together to achieve learning. The aspects of
development are linked together: each in turn affects one another. When children play the holistic development is
encouraged. I wish that children could be assessed during play. They are being
creative and letting nothing stop them from having a good time. There is no
test anxiety. If you think about children who are put into a relaxed situation how
much easier it would be to assess their knowledge and progress.
I wanted to look at Guatemala’s education system. It was
very difficult to find anything out about their assessment or measurement
system. The average grade for a child to stay in school is to the third grade. The
first standardized learning tests were completed in 2004. This was an
assessment test. The PRONERE tests are sample-based, nationally representative,
and norm-referenced, and contain 40 questions in each area under assessment. Guatemala
lacks a unified national curriculum, and proposals on standards have not been
successful (Educational Assessment Systems in Latin America,
2013).
In
the United States we are so lucky to have an opportunity to go to school and
learn. Our children can grow up to be young adults before they have to go to
work or even leave our homes. Children in other countries are not so lucky. Guatemala
is ranked 3rd worst in the world in child nutrition. There is
human trafficking. In both rural areas and cities, thousands of children
are victimized through abuse, forced labor and absolute neglect. I think when we look at the problems of
Guatemalan children, assessment and measurements are not as important as basic
needs and survival of childhood (Kids Alive International, 2013).
References:
Educational Assessment Systems in Latin America. (2013, December 5). Retrieved from
http://www.uis.unesco.org/Education/Documents/Ferrer.pdf
Kids Alive International. (2013, December 5). Retrieved from Guatemala:
http://www.kidsalive.org/around-the-world/latin-america/guatemala/
Diana,
ReplyDeleteAssessing children during their play is an excellent idea, because it presents a picture of how the child functions within society. It will help us as educators determine what a child needs to succeed within the community.
I did not realize Guatemala's education system was so compromised. I was vaguely aware that it had some significant needs, but was surprised how needy. What do you think is the first step to improving education for the children of Guatemala?
I would first like to say good job. I did not know anything about Guatemala's educational system. It is sad to me to think that the children of Guatemala are not given the opportunities to have the education they deserve.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI also love the idea of assessing children during play. In my kindergarten class for the most part their assessments are done in such a way. My teaching partner and I assess by observing their capabilities during whole, small and individual instruction but also while they are interacting with their classmates. We keeping running records, checklists, photos and even film clips to document your growth and learning. It is such a shame that as children get older they are expected to perform assessments using one method.
Diana,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, we are very lucky in the United States to be as fortunate as we are for children to be able to receive quality education. It is so sad how some children have to live. I agree with children being assessed during play. It is a natural state of mind for them and the least stressful situation which would most likely get true results. Great post!
Colleen
Yes, assessing children while playing does give a very clear picture of where they are developmentally. I have really seen this during our observations and applying what we are learning at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate that not all countries offer a structured educational system to help children.
Diana
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to say thank you for a the wonderful information you have shared during this course. I wish you the best of luck in school and in your career.
Happy Holidays,
Emily Elias