Learning from My Educational Experiences in Jamaica: Meaningful Learning takes Place in Motivated Children

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I was born in the country of Jamaica and raised with two brothers and one sister but I migrated to the United States in 1988. In Jamaica no matter how poor or rich you are education was the tool out of any circumstances. As I was born in a poor family my mother and father believed that their children had to get an education for upward mobility. As soon as we were potty trained, and able to walk, all their children were sent off to Basic or Infant School. This was the practice in Jamaica ranging from ages two through six. My mother often reminded me of how I cried the first day of school. Up to this day, I pretend not to remember but I can still remember clinging to my mother’s legs not wanting her to leave me, or could it be that I remember because the story was told so many times. Crying and not wanting to go to school took root but everything else in Basic School is a blur. As I grew and moved out of Basic School, I too saw others starting their education the same age I did. The curriculum in Basic School consists of learning the alphabet, how to count as well as numerous songs and nursery rhymes. Learning the alphabet was critical because it was believed that one must know the alphabet well in order to learn to read.

My education continued in Jamaica up until I graduated from Secondary School in 1985. Third grade of Primary School is very vivid. Primary School is grade one through six. Since my parents were not equipped to teach us at home, I realized the importance of a formal education. Our parents made it clear to us that it was a privilege to get an education and we were to conduct ourselves as such. A teacher’s educational philosophy is a very vital component in guiding children along the pathway of en...

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...of love, kindness, patience. They also need time because educators do need time for what they are trying to accomplish with each student. I went into the field of teaching knowing that it was not going to be an easy job. There will be many aspect of the field to deal with. I must keep my mind open while looking for effective ways to communicate with my students and peers. Not only will I seek to influence my students academically but I must deal with them on a personal level and also ethically. Borrowing a line from my former third grade teacher Mrs. Stewart, by any means necessary I will quipped my students with the necessary tools to allow them to succeed in life and this I will do by keeping in mind that everyone of my student should not received nothing less than the child that precedes them. I will give each child a well rounded, honest education.

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