WHY POSITIONING?

 

Through the researches done, positionings of materials and people have to be planned all beforehand to ensure that the most optimal learning experiences are provided for the children. And with the correct learning equipment and materials provided, it will assist children in understanding the things around them.

For my age group, the 3-year olds, they are in the year where all the basic foundations are laid. This makes it even more crucial for teachers to be fully aware of their positioning and also where materials are put at. 

The set-up of positioning of both materials and people act as a basic approach, impression or concept to the children over time twill grow accustomed to that particular curriculum, its’ objectives and goals. They will then start picking up basic knowledge and memory of where certain items are placed, why they are placed there, or even why a teacher is stood next to you or behind you. Children will start to pick up such knowledge as they constantly get exposed on such materials and people.

This is primarily the age where they are introduced of their regular routines and schedules. Positioning for both materials and people have to be constant and comfortable for children to learn of this new knowledge. Positioning people of the correct position beside the child may encourage more participation and engagement. People standing around children are mostly teachers, their facilitation and scaffolding they provide in that position they are in may extend or enrich that particular experience.

 

MY HOPES ON APPLYING POSITIONING TEACHING TECHNIQUES IN INQUIRY-BASED APPROACH

In the early educational landscape of Singapore, there might be some rigidity in facilitating exploratory activities. Also, parents’ skepticism for the materials, activities or even people that the child interacts with formed limits for how far and how much children can actually learn. There is absolutely no way in conducting something interesting and realistic at the same time with this many boundaries. 

Therefore, it is a challenge for children to fully experience what they are learning due to the lack of real-life exposure. This is where positioning might come into place. Small stations like the inquiry-based learning approach could and should be taken into consideration. Singapore children should gain as much exposure as they can with the world rather than focusing on academic areas. I think it would be best if they start practicing such approaches at a very young age, like the targetted age group. 

As teachers, we are the ones capable in changing the practices we have today and create a better tomorrow for our children!