Saying YES, was a wonderful experience

I have frequently said to myself that my weakest point is that I say "YES" to almost anything that comes my way. However most of the time I end up not regretting it. This short course Inquiry-Based Learning in Early Years Education – from Theory to Practice, (which I have currently moderated along side the team from Teacher Academy and School Education Gateway) was truly an eye-opener to how both local and international professionals can connect when they are truly passionate and committed. Planning and constructing the modules together as a team was an experience in itself, however being part of the course as a moderator escaladed the experience by thousands.

Module 1: Early Years Pioneers and Theories.

During the first module, I was able to meet up with the participants through a few ice-breaking activities such as getting to know one another through a padlet, sharing our location on a map and of course not to forget meeting online for a chat, a game or two. It was lovely to connect with individuals who share the same interest in Early Childhood education as myself and I can assure you the participants came from various countries and different experiences. That is why it made it dynamic.

Following the intros, we expanded our knowledge on just three of the many fantastic Early years pioneers. There were videos and notes available for everyone to expand, refresh or familiarize with theories and findings from Piaget, Vygotsky and Dewey. This served as a refresher for me too and although activities in this module were not compulsory, I was amazed at how much interaction there way. There was a Kahoot Quiz, forum discussions and my personal favorite the promotional posters of the mentioned theorists. Evidently Dewey stood out the most out of all three during this activity following with Piaget and Vygostky respectively. These posters reminded me how important it is to not lose sight of such theoretical findings and why every once in a while, a small read could easily refresh ones memory on the why, buts and ifs, to better the process of learning and teaching.

Module 2: Focusing on the Theory of Inquiry-Based Learning

Module 2 opened up on the reality of Inquiry-Based learning, that is the challenges and opportunities it holds from both as a student and educator end. From brainstorming in a mentimeter, to forum discussions and presentations, this module was not short of interaction. As a moderator and a Kindergarten educator myself, I could relate to the challenges each induvial was discussing in the forum. From school protocols, classroom sizes, lack of resources, students diverse needs and the list goes on and on. The beauty of such discussions was identifying that somehow or another everyone in the Early childhood educational field is rocking the same boat in some way or another. We usually look up to foreign content because we envy what one might have. The bright big space, the endless colourful resources, the picture perfect scenarios and more. BUT... in reality every single one of us face a challenge or gets stuck in a rut. Hence why I love getting myself involved in these type of events, courses and work because I get inspired, motivated and adapt new ideas for my own.

Here I am thinking the obvious is always obvious, but then when you stop and think you realize that what is obvious for me is not for others. Luckily when a community join forces, you get a sense of belonging and motivation to persevere. This was evidently visible when participants created various eye-catching and easy to follow presentations, highlighting benefits of what it entails to teach and learn through an Inquiry-Based approach. Did I learn a thing or two? Of course and most of them motivated me to create something similar to present it during our first parent meeting. This way when I ask for a resource or do something in class that is out of the norm, it could be relatable.

Module 3: Practical Implementation of Inquiry-Based Learning

Ideas, strategies, blogs, pages, websites, tools... in this module we were not short of pooling in our own ideas on how to enhance and grow holistically. In this module more practice sharing was enhanced and no one came to disappoint. The forum kept flourishing in debates, comments and opinions. It gave room for participants to discuss their observations from a video I shared of my own practice and they gave me insights to things I might have also missed out myself. Reflective practice was in abundance and it was motivational and inspiring once again. Particpants gathered so much work on padlets that I was mesmerized everytime I had to open it.

Fascinated by what I was reading, I continued to involve myself. So much so that another Live-event session was held but this time it was to share practice from my end and also from another local content. Ms. Tiffany from the Facebook Page 𝑀𝓈. 𝒯𝒾𝒻𝒻𝒶𝓃𝓎'𝓈 𝒦𝒾𝓃𝒹𝑒𝓇𝑔𝒶𝓇𝓉𝑒𝓃 𝒲𝑜𝓇𝓁𝒹 joined our session to present the group with more innovative ideas and how to implement them in an Early years setting. From my end I supported the group by sharing ideas from the ebook of our eTwinning project called "S.T.E.A.M-tastic" but above all tried my best to break down what the only mandatory activity was truly all about.

Module 4: Final assignment

Last but not least we ended the 2 week course with a final assignment. It was not a simple submit and goodbye, however this assignment was aimed to be a source of group work too. After submitting own Lesson plan in relation to an Inquiry-Based approach, participants had to assess two of their peers work. This was incredibly beautiful to do because not only does one receive constructive criticism on their own ideas, but they get the chance to also help, guide and inspire others with their own perspective and experiences.

I managed to go through a couple of assignments myself and it is beyond me how much I have learnt from exquisite educators who take Early Years so close to heart. When group works conjoin for one aim is simply extraordinary and we took the inquiry based learning approach and applied it to our our learning journey throughout the whole short course.

At the end I may have been the "More knowledgeable others" but in reality each participant gave me something new to reflect, look into, investigate and grow in. Closing in was a bitter sweet moment because not only was this a unique professional development experience, however it connected me to people who share the same passion in teaching as my own. I got to learn from experts who have been in the field for over 40 years and be taught new concepts from beautiful human beings that are still in their studies. I moved forward from my comfort zone and progressed as I go. My work is not over just because the course is closed. In fact it is only beginning. I am now ready to face the new scholastic year with more knowledge than before. I am more eager to persevere and strive through anything and this is thanks to the fact that I know that I am in this with a much bigger community than I ever could have imagined. I may be alone in my classroom with my amazing students, but as an Early Years' educator, I now know I can share my sorrows, hardships, successes and achievements with a community that is as equal enthusiastic about teaching as myself.

Thank you for the experience, the lessons and the journey.

Another chapter ready to begin!