This document discusses initiatives in Denmark to promote more male kindergarten teachers. It describes 5 projects funded by the Danish government to test new methods of attracting, recruiting, and retaining male teachers.
The projects tested various approaches, including focusing on outdoor activities to appeal to stereotypical male interests, interviewing existing male teachers to understand barriers to entry, changing job postings to be more inclusive, and using behavioral "nudges" to shift attitudes among stakeholders. The overall goal was to increase diversity in the teaching workforce and challenge gender stereotypes. Evaluation of the projects aimed to identify best practices to systematically promote more gender balance.
Using ICT and electronic music to reduce school drop out in EuropeeLearning Papers
Author: Franco Alvaro
In Europe, too many young people leave school prematurely without those basic skills that an active involvement in the knowledge society requires and that are necessary to shift into the labor market. The core aim of the EU funded E-Motion project is to reduce the school drop out rate with a particular emphasis on young people who are at risk of social exclusion (migrants, ethnic minorities, poor socio-economic backgrounds).
This paper is targeted to aid providers, government, academics, researchers and the general population. The aim of this paper is to provide an analyses of the unemployment problem in South Africa and provide some solutions (some financial) to mitigate the unemployment problem. In addition this paper will look at the obstacles that hinder the execution of solutions and how these obstacles can be overcome.
Professor Kate Myers gave a presentation on gender equality issues in the new Diploma. Colleagues interested in this area will be interested in the recent DCSF 'Gender Agenda'
Using ICT and electronic music to reduce school drop out in EuropeeLearning Papers
Author: Franco Alvaro
In Europe, too many young people leave school prematurely without those basic skills that an active involvement in the knowledge society requires and that are necessary to shift into the labor market. The core aim of the EU funded E-Motion project is to reduce the school drop out rate with a particular emphasis on young people who are at risk of social exclusion (migrants, ethnic minorities, poor socio-economic backgrounds).
This paper is targeted to aid providers, government, academics, researchers and the general population. The aim of this paper is to provide an analyses of the unemployment problem in South Africa and provide some solutions (some financial) to mitigate the unemployment problem. In addition this paper will look at the obstacles that hinder the execution of solutions and how these obstacles can be overcome.
Professor Kate Myers gave a presentation on gender equality issues in the new Diploma. Colleagues interested in this area will be interested in the recent DCSF 'Gender Agenda'
The Implementation of Decentralization Policy in the Education Sector by Muni...ijtsrd
The examination of the relationship between efficient management of nursery and Primary schools and decentralization in relation to the implementation of decentralization policies in Cameroon by councils is what this study intended to ascertain. The study employed purposive sampling technique, to select the 50 head teacher respondents and 3municipal Mayors. Data which was collected by the use of a questionnaire and interviews as instruments of data collection were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS . The resultant findings did indicate that, there is a significant relationship between the council’s implementation of decentralization policies specifically the building, equipping and maintenance of classrooms by councils and the efficient management of nursery and primary schools, albeit being that the relationship that exists was rated weak. A resulting recommendation made was that the central level relinquishes sufficient resources for local councils, ensuring accountability and transparency in operations and instituting follow up mechanisms through supervision to ensure that local council authorities are effectively implementing the decentralization process as expected. Julie Ngoh Tambe "The Implementation of Decentralization Policy in the Education Sector by Municipal Councils and the Management of Nursery and Primary Schools: The Case of Government Nursery and Primary Schools" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33339.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/33339/the-implementation-of-decentralization-policy-in-the-education-sector-by-municipal-councils-and-the-management-of-nursery-and-primary-schools-the-case-of-government-nursery-and-primary-schools/julie-ngoh-tambe
In addition to analyzing the characteristics of gender equality in tertiary education enrolment in Africa, this paper empirically studies the key drivers of gender equality in tertiary education enrolment, using cross-sectional time series data from 1970 to 2012. Our results show that the coefficient associated with the level of real GDP per capita is positive and statistically significant. Our results also suggest that higher domestic investment, increased economic globalization, the quadratic element of political globalization, economic globalization, ethnic fractionalization, increased democracy, and Christian dominance in a country increase gender equality in tertiary education enrolment in the continent. However, increases in the level of political globalization and increased incidence of civil wars tend to lower it. The policy implications and lessons of these results are discussed.
Tracing the Evolution of Decentralization Policy in the Ministry of Basic Edu...ijtsrd
This paper explored Cameroon’s decentralization policy in the context of educational reforms which entails the adoption of universal legal framework which aims at universalizing free primary education such as that from the1990 Jomtien Conference on Education for All EFA by 2015 and the Dakar 2002 Action Framework. Basically, the government strives to provide free education to pupils, so as to support the underprivileged and enable them read and write in a bid to reduce illiteracy and to bring education to the people. This paper is also anchored on the observation that every major decentralized education throughout the world has to involve some legislative changes to the law. In the case of Cameroon, decentralization constitutes a legal, institutional and financial means through which regional and local authorities operate to foster development with the active involvement of the population. Assessing the legal framework and implementation by various stakeholders shows that the decentralization laws passed over the years in Cameroon have local development and governance as their main thrust. But this review posits that the process for the adoption and implementation of the decentralization policies is slow, partial and seemingly unserious thus barricading the smooth functioning of Basic Education in Cameroon. Unfortunately too, empirical science has narrowly escaped the decentralization process as it pertains to Education primary in Cameroon. As such, this paper acts as a clarion call for more studies to understand how the process unfolds in Cameroon and how it affects the primary education sector. Ngong Gaius Mufua "Tracing the Evolution of Decentralization Policy in the Ministry of Basic Education in Cameroon, an Overview of the History and Challenges of the Process" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-3 , April 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd30620.pdf Paper Url :https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/30620/tracing-the-evolution-of-decentralization-policy-in-the-ministry-of-basic-education-in-cameroon-an-overview-of-the-history-and-challenges-of-the-process/ngong-gaius-mufua
ESCAP of United Nations
The annual Conference provides an enabling platform for freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators and logistics service providers in Asia and the Pacific to share knowledge and experience, discuss emerging issues and promote the development of their services. The Conference will be held virtually on 30 June 2021.
The event will review the latest developments in freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics services in the region, and aim to identify and promote good practices and innovative solutions to shared challenges. The annual Conference also serves as a tool for fostering an effective dialogue of stakeholders of freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics services, including international organizations and the business sector.
Road map to better international education in AustraliaAdrian Soh
Alexandria Agenda believes that there is a better way to engage with stakeholders involved in international education to build better outcomes for them all. Please read about our road map for international education.
Reframing TVET colleges into 21st century Learning OrganizationsAJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions are a hub for most students who
did not meet the University entry requirements nowadays. There is a need to remove the stereotype that they are
for learners who do not cope with the formal education offered in institutions. It must be taken into account that
TVET colleges offer full curriculum but their focus is on skills development. With the emergence of Artificial
Intelligence, their formation needs a revamp so as to suit the new and changing system of Education. This can
be done by changing the traditional methods of teaching by implementing blended learning and using flip
classroom model. Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being combined
with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid teaching methodology. It
represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply adding computers to classrooms but it
represents a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning strategies anywhere. It
has already produced an offshoot called the flipped classroom – that has quickly become a distinct approach of
its own. Flipped classroom model — in which students watch or listen to pre-recorded lectures over the Web,
on their own time rather than during class — liberates instructors to finally make real connections with their
students outside the school times. By focusing into traditional classroom settings like in the olden days,
instructors are supporting the part of the learning process that students really need and are interested in. This
paper intends to deal with the advantages of learning through MOOCs and MOODLE platforms where
learners can learn, respond to questions and collaborate with each other and submit work through remote
platforms. This is where students learn the most by implementing theories they've learned into real-life and to
apply logic when responding to peers around the globe remotely and sharing best practices. This is in
conformity with the types of students we deal with who have a very short listening span and with the fact that
we are dealing with digital citizens.
KEYWORDS: Blended learning, e-Learning, flipped classrooms, MOOCs, MOODLE.
The paper attempts to look at the current higher education crisis in South Africa in terms of the recent #FeesMustFall Campaign, embarked upon by higher education university students over the last several months and still continues unabated, in a country that seems to have lost its way. Civil unrest, strikes and protests in almost all sectors of the economy now permeates the political landscape of South Africa. This is an indictment to the democratic order, post 1994. As such, the paper will concentrate on the problems and challenges that confront South African higher education. It argues that education is a public good and therefore, a direct responsibility of government, given the heroic struggles of the masses from apartheid oppression and Bantustan education. Naturally, the paper argues further that, heirs of the revolutionary struggle are entitled to their rage. Tertiary education cannot remain limited to the few privileged in South Africa and, only radical action brings solutions. In other words student movements like it did, to challenge apartheid education, must be used to achieve the Freedom Charter’s vision. The Freedom Charter of the South African liberation struggle says that “the doors of learning must be open to all.†(The Freedom Charter, 1956). On the other hand there is just no money to fund higher education because of the rampant corruption, faltering action plans and as such, it appears that the higher education dream has been deferred. The most recent #FeesMustFall campaign brings to reality that after 21 years of democracy South African politicians of the ruling party can no longer rely on their revolutionary credentials because, the time has come to deliver real change. The mass student revolt of recent times has been unprecedented in the history of democratic South Africa. Amongst a host of other issues, this narrative will show that the students have sent a powerful message to the ruling party that has taken South African people for granted. Protesting students therefore, require the nation’s unreserved support. The paper will therefore attempt to talk to a host of issues as concerns higher education in South Africa.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
The Implementation of Decentralization Policy in the Education Sector by Muni...ijtsrd
The examination of the relationship between efficient management of nursery and Primary schools and decentralization in relation to the implementation of decentralization policies in Cameroon by councils is what this study intended to ascertain. The study employed purposive sampling technique, to select the 50 head teacher respondents and 3municipal Mayors. Data which was collected by the use of a questionnaire and interviews as instruments of data collection were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences SPSS . The resultant findings did indicate that, there is a significant relationship between the council’s implementation of decentralization policies specifically the building, equipping and maintenance of classrooms by councils and the efficient management of nursery and primary schools, albeit being that the relationship that exists was rated weak. A resulting recommendation made was that the central level relinquishes sufficient resources for local councils, ensuring accountability and transparency in operations and instituting follow up mechanisms through supervision to ensure that local council authorities are effectively implementing the decentralization process as expected. Julie Ngoh Tambe "The Implementation of Decentralization Policy in the Education Sector by Municipal Councils and the Management of Nursery and Primary Schools: The Case of Government Nursery and Primary Schools" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-6 , October 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd33339.pdf Paper Url: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/33339/the-implementation-of-decentralization-policy-in-the-education-sector-by-municipal-councils-and-the-management-of-nursery-and-primary-schools-the-case-of-government-nursery-and-primary-schools/julie-ngoh-tambe
In addition to analyzing the characteristics of gender equality in tertiary education enrolment in Africa, this paper empirically studies the key drivers of gender equality in tertiary education enrolment, using cross-sectional time series data from 1970 to 2012. Our results show that the coefficient associated with the level of real GDP per capita is positive and statistically significant. Our results also suggest that higher domestic investment, increased economic globalization, the quadratic element of political globalization, economic globalization, ethnic fractionalization, increased democracy, and Christian dominance in a country increase gender equality in tertiary education enrolment in the continent. However, increases in the level of political globalization and increased incidence of civil wars tend to lower it. The policy implications and lessons of these results are discussed.
Tracing the Evolution of Decentralization Policy in the Ministry of Basic Edu...ijtsrd
This paper explored Cameroon’s decentralization policy in the context of educational reforms which entails the adoption of universal legal framework which aims at universalizing free primary education such as that from the1990 Jomtien Conference on Education for All EFA by 2015 and the Dakar 2002 Action Framework. Basically, the government strives to provide free education to pupils, so as to support the underprivileged and enable them read and write in a bid to reduce illiteracy and to bring education to the people. This paper is also anchored on the observation that every major decentralized education throughout the world has to involve some legislative changes to the law. In the case of Cameroon, decentralization constitutes a legal, institutional and financial means through which regional and local authorities operate to foster development with the active involvement of the population. Assessing the legal framework and implementation by various stakeholders shows that the decentralization laws passed over the years in Cameroon have local development and governance as their main thrust. But this review posits that the process for the adoption and implementation of the decentralization policies is slow, partial and seemingly unserious thus barricading the smooth functioning of Basic Education in Cameroon. Unfortunately too, empirical science has narrowly escaped the decentralization process as it pertains to Education primary in Cameroon. As such, this paper acts as a clarion call for more studies to understand how the process unfolds in Cameroon and how it affects the primary education sector. Ngong Gaius Mufua "Tracing the Evolution of Decentralization Policy in the Ministry of Basic Education in Cameroon, an Overview of the History and Challenges of the Process" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-3 , April 2020, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd30620.pdf Paper Url :https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/30620/tracing-the-evolution-of-decentralization-policy-in-the-ministry-of-basic-education-in-cameroon-an-overview-of-the-history-and-challenges-of-the-process/ngong-gaius-mufua
ESCAP of United Nations
The annual Conference provides an enabling platform for freight forwarders, multimodal transport operators and logistics service providers in Asia and the Pacific to share knowledge and experience, discuss emerging issues and promote the development of their services. The Conference will be held virtually on 30 June 2021.
The event will review the latest developments in freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics services in the region, and aim to identify and promote good practices and innovative solutions to shared challenges. The annual Conference also serves as a tool for fostering an effective dialogue of stakeholders of freight forwarding, multimodal transport and logistics services, including international organizations and the business sector.
Road map to better international education in AustraliaAdrian Soh
Alexandria Agenda believes that there is a better way to engage with stakeholders involved in international education to build better outcomes for them all. Please read about our road map for international education.
Reframing TVET colleges into 21st century Learning OrganizationsAJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions are a hub for most students who
did not meet the University entry requirements nowadays. There is a need to remove the stereotype that they are
for learners who do not cope with the formal education offered in institutions. It must be taken into account that
TVET colleges offer full curriculum but their focus is on skills development. With the emergence of Artificial
Intelligence, their formation needs a revamp so as to suit the new and changing system of Education. This can
be done by changing the traditional methods of teaching by implementing blended learning and using flip
classroom model. Blended learning is a term increasingly used to describe the way e-learning is being combined
with traditional classroom methods and independent study to create a new, hybrid teaching methodology. It
represents a much greater change in basic technique than simply adding computers to classrooms but it
represents a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the learning strategies anywhere. It
has already produced an offshoot called the flipped classroom – that has quickly become a distinct approach of
its own. Flipped classroom model — in which students watch or listen to pre-recorded lectures over the Web,
on their own time rather than during class — liberates instructors to finally make real connections with their
students outside the school times. By focusing into traditional classroom settings like in the olden days,
instructors are supporting the part of the learning process that students really need and are interested in. This
paper intends to deal with the advantages of learning through MOOCs and MOODLE platforms where
learners can learn, respond to questions and collaborate with each other and submit work through remote
platforms. This is where students learn the most by implementing theories they've learned into real-life and to
apply logic when responding to peers around the globe remotely and sharing best practices. This is in
conformity with the types of students we deal with who have a very short listening span and with the fact that
we are dealing with digital citizens.
KEYWORDS: Blended learning, e-Learning, flipped classrooms, MOOCs, MOODLE.
The paper attempts to look at the current higher education crisis in South Africa in terms of the recent #FeesMustFall Campaign, embarked upon by higher education university students over the last several months and still continues unabated, in a country that seems to have lost its way. Civil unrest, strikes and protests in almost all sectors of the economy now permeates the political landscape of South Africa. This is an indictment to the democratic order, post 1994. As such, the paper will concentrate on the problems and challenges that confront South African higher education. It argues that education is a public good and therefore, a direct responsibility of government, given the heroic struggles of the masses from apartheid oppression and Bantustan education. Naturally, the paper argues further that, heirs of the revolutionary struggle are entitled to their rage. Tertiary education cannot remain limited to the few privileged in South Africa and, only radical action brings solutions. In other words student movements like it did, to challenge apartheid education, must be used to achieve the Freedom Charter’s vision. The Freedom Charter of the South African liberation struggle says that “the doors of learning must be open to all.†(The Freedom Charter, 1956). On the other hand there is just no money to fund higher education because of the rampant corruption, faltering action plans and as such, it appears that the higher education dream has been deferred. The most recent #FeesMustFall campaign brings to reality that after 21 years of democracy South African politicians of the ruling party can no longer rely on their revolutionary credentials because, the time has come to deliver real change. The mass student revolt of recent times has been unprecedented in the history of democratic South Africa. Amongst a host of other issues, this narrative will show that the students have sent a powerful message to the ruling party that has taken South African people for granted. Protesting students therefore, require the nation’s unreserved support. The paper will therefore attempt to talk to a host of issues as concerns higher education in South Africa.
International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Invention (IJHSSI) is an international journal intended for professionals and researchers in all fields of Humanities and Social Science. IJHSSI publishes research articles and reviews within the whole field Humanities and Social Science, new teaching methods, assessment, validation and the impact of new technologies and it will continue to provide information on the latest trends and developments in this ever-expanding subject. The publications of papers are selected through double peer reviewed to ensure originality, relevance, and readability. The articles published in our journal can be accessed online.
To the economist, one of the most natural approaches is to study the productivity of education, since prudent investment is governed by the relative productivity of the funds which is in turn determined by the marginal rate of return compared with the best alternative use of the same funds. With considerable pressure now being exerted upon governments for increase in their allocations to education. It is quite understandable that economists, who have always followed the outlays of government with great interest, recently have turned considerable attention to the study of education’s productivity.
Three approaches to this study, none of which is totally independent of the others.
1. Educational Productivity
2. Residual Factors in Educational Productivity
3. Educational Planning and Manpower
12The Primary ProblemsThe article Teacher Preparation to EttaBenton28
1
2
The Primary Problems
The article "Teacher Preparation to Deliver Evidence-Based Transition Planning and Services to Youth with Disabilities" by Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) addresses some issues surrounding young people living with disabilities. The first topic raised in the article is illiteracy affecting most youth living with disabilities. Solberg et al. (2014) argue that all individuals should access quality education regardless of their physical health. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) advise governments to improve infrastructure in learning institutions to accommodate learners living with disabilities. Educating young people with disabilities lowers a country's illiteracy levels and increases its productivity because they participate in various production activities. The second issue is increased unemployment for people living with disabilities. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) argue that some employers despise individuals living with disabilities at workplaces, reducing their employment chances. The authors advise governments to create additional and safe employment opportunities for people living with disabilities to enhance their economic growth and improve their mental health. The article's last issue is the independence levels that people living with disabilities have. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) argue that most people living with disabilities depend on their friends and relatives to obtain fundamental needs, such as food and clothing. Governments should expand educational programs for people living with disabilities to enhance their economic growth and increase their independence.
EducationalRelevance
The article is relevant to people living with disabilities since it describes important measures of improving their living standards. For instance, fostering the students' social and cognitive development by equipping them with relevant knowledge improves their socialization skills and enhances their community participation. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) define community participation as the operational activities outside the school environments that require students to utilize academic knowledge and skills to perform. Increasing the independence of learners living with disabilities independence by improving their self-care skills, financial management skills, and independent living techniques through education, reducing their dependency levels. Education helps learners living with disabilities to survey employment opportunities and improve their economic standards. Promoting the individuals' self-determination skills is valuable since education exposes learners to skills, such as problem-solving, goal setting, risk-taking, and decision-making skills, improving their autonomy. The article is useful since it demonstrates relevance to youth living with disabilities by equipping them with socialization skills to improving their living standards.
Other Websites
The resource relates to additional websites discussing improvin ...
12The Primary ProblemsThe article Teacher Preparation to ChantellPantoja184
1
2
The Primary Problems
The article "Teacher Preparation to Deliver Evidence-Based Transition Planning and Services to Youth with Disabilities" by Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) addresses some issues surrounding young people living with disabilities. The first topic raised in the article is illiteracy affecting most youth living with disabilities. Solberg et al. (2014) argue that all individuals should access quality education regardless of their physical health. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) advise governments to improve infrastructure in learning institutions to accommodate learners living with disabilities. Educating young people with disabilities lowers a country's illiteracy levels and increases its productivity because they participate in various production activities. The second issue is increased unemployment for people living with disabilities. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) argue that some employers despise individuals living with disabilities at workplaces, reducing their employment chances. The authors advise governments to create additional and safe employment opportunities for people living with disabilities to enhance their economic growth and improve their mental health. The article's last issue is the independence levels that people living with disabilities have. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) argue that most people living with disabilities depend on their friends and relatives to obtain fundamental needs, such as food and clothing. Governments should expand educational programs for people living with disabilities to enhance their economic growth and increase their independence.
EducationalRelevance
The article is relevant to people living with disabilities since it describes important measures of improving their living standards. For instance, fostering the students' social and cognitive development by equipping them with relevant knowledge improves their socialization skills and enhances their community participation. Morningstar and Mazzotti (2014) define community participation as the operational activities outside the school environments that require students to utilize academic knowledge and skills to perform. Increasing the independence of learners living with disabilities independence by improving their self-care skills, financial management skills, and independent living techniques through education, reducing their dependency levels. Education helps learners living with disabilities to survey employment opportunities and improve their economic standards. Promoting the individuals' self-determination skills is valuable since education exposes learners to skills, such as problem-solving, goal setting, risk-taking, and decision-making skills, improving their autonomy. The article is useful since it demonstrates relevance to youth living with disabilities by equipping them with socialization skills to improving their living standards.
Other Websites
The resource relates to additional websites discussing improvin ...
‘If you do not know where you are going, any road will take you there. [Educational planning] is about choosing a direction and destination first, deciding on the route and intermediary stops required to get there, checking progress against a map and making course adjustments as required in order to realise the desired objectives.’ (UNESCO 2011: 1)
O IRIS (Melhoria através da Investigação na Escola Inclusiva) é um Projecto
Comenius Europeu com o foco na Inclusão e nos progressos escolares,
abrangendo todas as crianças numa escola para todos. O Projecto IRIS
iniciou-se no fim de 2006 e termina em 1 de Outubro de 2009. A Áustria e
a Bélgica coordenam as actividades do Projecto. A equipa Projecto IRIS é
composta por 7 parceiros a trabalhar em grupos temáticos e os membros
do grupo têm mudado, bem como os sistemas evoluído. Toda a equipa
do Projecto se reúne de 6 em 6 meses para partilhar informação sobre o
desenvolvimento, como um todo colaborativo.
See Me: “Inspirational ideas and approaches regarding parentalinvolvement in secondary education”
See ME is a 2-years Erasmus+ project which focusses on strengtheningparental involvement in children’s school careers in secondary educationspecifically for youngsters at risk. To achieve this the project collects bestpractices and will develop and test guidelines for parent involvement as wellas guidelines for teachers regarding the school career of students and theirrole toward parents.
Emotional Competence in the school: Smile!
The project acronym SMILE stands for Schools Make Intelligence Linking Emotions
This handbook is an intellectual output of the international project that is supported by Erasmus+ program, Key Action 2 – Cooperation for Innovation and Exchange of Good Practices, Strategic Partnership for Schools only.
Introduction to AI for Nonprofits with Tapp NetworkTechSoup
Dive into the world of AI! Experts Jon Hill and Tareq Monaur will guide you through AI's role in enhancing nonprofit websites and basic marketing strategies, making it easy to understand and apply.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
2024.06.01 Introducing a competency framework for languag learning materials ...Sandy Millin
http://sandymillin.wordpress.com/iateflwebinar2024
Published classroom materials form the basis of syllabuses, drive teacher professional development, and have a potentially huge influence on learners, teachers and education systems. All teachers also create their own materials, whether a few sentences on a blackboard, a highly-structured fully-realised online course, or anything in between. Despite this, the knowledge and skills needed to create effective language learning materials are rarely part of teacher training, and are mostly learnt by trial and error.
Knowledge and skills frameworks, generally called competency frameworks, for ELT teachers, trainers and managers have existed for a few years now. However, until I created one for my MA dissertation, there wasn’t one drawing together what we need to know and do to be able to effectively produce language learning materials.
This webinar will introduce you to my framework, highlighting the key competencies I identified from my research. It will also show how anybody involved in language teaching (any language, not just English!), teacher training, managing schools or developing language learning materials can benefit from using the framework.
Unit 8 - Information and Communication Technology (Paper I).pdfThiyagu K
This slides describes the basic concepts of ICT, basics of Email, Emerging Technology and Digital Initiatives in Education. This presentations aligns with the UGC Paper I syllabus.
Palestine last event orientationfvgnh .pptxRaedMohamed3
An EFL lesson about the current events in Palestine. It is intended to be for intermediate students who wish to increase their listening skills through a short lesson in power point.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Biological screening of herbal drugs: Introduction and Need for
Phyto-Pharmacological Screening, New Strategies for evaluating
Natural Products, In vitro evaluation techniques for Antioxidants, Antimicrobial and Anticancer drugs. In vivo evaluation techniques
for Anti-inflammatory, Antiulcer, Anticancer, Wound healing, Antidiabetic, Hepatoprotective, Cardio protective, Diuretics and
Antifertility, Toxicity studies as per OECD guidelines
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Adversarial Attention Modeling for Multi-dimensional Emotion Regression.pdf
2 as dk discussion paper-dk 2015
1. The EU Mutual
Learning Programme
in Gender Equality
Gender segregation
in the labour market
and education
Denmark, 29-30 September 2015
Discussion Paper - Denmark
The information contained in this publication does not
necessarily reflect the position or opinion of the European
Commission.
2. Denmark 2
This publication is supported by the European Union Rights, Equality and
Citizenship Programme (2014-2020).
This programme is implemented by the European Commission and shall contribute
to the further development of an area where equality and the rights of persons, as
enshrined in the Treaty, the Charter and international human rights conventions, are
promoted and protected.
For more information see: http://ec.europa.eu/justice/grants1/programmes-2014-
2020/rec/index_en.htm
3. Denmark
Denmark, 29-30 September 2015 3
3
Initiatives to promote more male
kindergarten pedagogues
Ulla Gerner Wohlgemuth,
University College South Denmark
1. Description of the main elements of the
Danish good practice
1.1. Background and general policy context of Denmark
Men’s choice of education within care i.e. the BA programme Social Educator1
gained proper momentum as an independent theme at the beginning of the 1990s
when the discussion of men’s rights and masculinity research were put on the
agenda and when the first indications were seen that the BA programme was, as it
was phrased, dominated by women. Parallel with this observation, the policy
objective of breaking down the gender-segregated labour market was established in
the Danish national plans of action and as a result of analysis and observations of
the effect of “the shortage of men” within the field of care; the establishment of a
number of discourses was started. These discourses still serve as a tool of
explanation for and legitimisation of efforts, the purpose of which is to attract male
pedagogues to childcare and kindergartens; for the sake of the boys and the quality
of care, for the benefit of work environment and labour market structure and for the
sake of gender equality.
The newest action has been a series of five projects (described in chapter 2.2.) that
aim to promote more diversity and aim to attract, recruit and retain male
pedagogues to childcare and kindergartens2
, i.e. day-care for the 0-6 year olds.
1.1.1. Gender segregation on the Danish labour market and in the Danish
education system
In 2013, women’s participation rate in the labour market was 72.5 % compared to
76.4 % for men. The Danish participation rate for women is one of the highest in the
world.
1
The proper Danish noun for a ‘Social Educator’ is a pedagogue. The BA programme in Social
Education is a 3½ year programme offered by eight University Colleges, qualifying for employment
within all aspects of care work. Approximately 2/3 of the students are women. The BA programme
was revised in 2014 offering among other things a 7 week course focusing on gender and diversity.
2
Kindergartens offer care for children aged 6 months up till 6 years. The institutions are often a
merge of a crèche (the youngest children) and a kindergarten (the older children). The fact, that
Danish kindergartens are considered playing and learning environments as well means, that a
kindergarten so to speak ‘covers’ early childhood education (ECE) or pre-school.
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Although young women today are at least as well educated as young men, women
trail men on the labour market when it comes to wages, career opportunities, and
working conditions due to the gender segregation in the education system and on
the labour market. Culture, norms and expectations contribute to maintain gender
roles on the labour market and in the family and delay equal opportunities for both
sexes.
Men dominate in engineering and science, while women dominate in health and
education. Many typical women’s trades are still pronounced low-pay areas. The
pay differential between women and men on the labour market as such is in
particular correlated to the gender-segregated labour market, and therefore the
Government is very interested in breaking down the gender-segregated labour
market and the gender-segregated choices of education.
Different initiatives have been launched such as on-line information on the
opportunities when choosing non-traditional educations, use of role-models, pilot-
projects showing the available jobs within different sectors, government funding of
local projects in schools and municipalities. The influence and importance of cultural
values, including gender aspects, to professional career and education guidance is
also part of the curriculum of the career guidance counsellor’s education.
1.1.2. The Danish Day-care system in general
From 2004, day care facilities have been made available for all parents, referred to
as guaranteed day-care availability. Accessibility of day-care facilities is nowadays
seen as a necessary tool for parents to reconcile working life. Municipalities are
obliged to assign a place in a crèche or a kindergarten for all children older than 6
months. More than 97 % of all children between the age of 3 and 5 attend
kindergarten.
1.1.3. Data and statistics on male pedagogues
The share of male students in the study programme “Social Educator” has increased
slightly within the last 5-6 years. Approximately 30 % of the students in the BA
programme are men (2013-2014 data), but the number is expected to decline due to
a recent drop in the number of applicants to the programme.
In 2003, the share of men was 17 %. In 2010, men counted 20.7 % of the students.
Still only a small minority, approx. 7 %, chooses to work within day-care for smaller
children (0-6 years).
In 2003, 15.8 %3
of the employees in the day-care sector were men. In 2010, this
percentage had risen slightly to 16.7 %4
. These figures cover the fact that in 2010
the share of male pedagogues in nurseries and/or crèches was 1.5 %, whereas
male pedagogues formed 6.1 % of the staff in kindergartens and 46 % of the
pedagogues in institutions offering after-school activities. However, April 2013
statistics showed an average of 7.1 % male pedagogues in kindergartens.
3
6,975 men out of 43,955 employees.
4
8,686 men out of 51,982 employees.
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2. The goals and target groups of the good
practice
The funding opportunity was developed in cooperation with the Danish Union of
Early Childhood and Youth Educators. It was stated that a submission for funding
would be considered if a project would meet detailed requirements:
1) Promote a greater diversity in the day-care sector (kindergartens and crèches)
by e.g. attracting and retaining more male pedagogues;
2) Create new knowledge in the field and
3) Disseminate this knowledge to relevant parties (authorities, municipalities,
educational institutions and professionals in the day-care sector).
Diversity and more male pedagogues are considered important for several reasons:
A diverse group of employees may contribute to a good work-environment,
dynamics and development in general;
Diversity and male pedagogues in the day-care institutions may offer the
children a broader palette of adult identification opportunities, and a broader
view of gender, development and possibilities;
Diversity will contribute to a more varied picture of men and especially what men
can do, thus it will broaden the scope on men’s educational and job
opportunities;
A gender-segregated labour market is inflexible as it is retaining a gender pay
gap between women and men. This may contribute to bottlenecks in the labour
market which makes our society vulnerable in times of crisis and in times of
growth.
The aim of this funding was to initiate a number of pilot projects that would test new
methods and ways to increase the diversity among the pedagogical staff and hence
attract, recruit and retain male pedagogical staff. A focus on male staff was
mandatory. The ambition was to disseminate the experiences more broadly and
hereby initiate more systematic efforts to increase the diversity in the day-care
sector. The undertakings were directed at relevant parties, i.e. local
authorities/municipalities, kindergartens, educational institutions, public
administrations and job centres and local trade unions. Overall, the funding and the
five projects were seen as part of a constant urge to develop the day-care sector
and the pedagogical work.
2.1. The legal and financial provisions to implement the good
practice
A total of 1,520,000 DKK (around 203,893 EUR) were allocated for the five projects.
Another 230.000 DKK (around 30,852 EUR) are allocated to external consultants
who are following the projects and collecting and conveying the good practices from
the projects.
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2.2. Institutional arrangements and procedures of
implementation
Five practical projects in five different municipalities received funding. Each project
consisted of a number of kindergartens and/or crèches/nurseries. The approaches
and procedures of implementation were highly individual.
2.2.1. Hjørring Municipality – The project “Forest Man”
Hjørring Municipality focussed on nature as an essential part of kindergarten daily
life. The project covered 3 institutions placed in the southern part of the main city
within walking distance from each other and close to a rather large forest. For a
while the forest had served as a place for occasional ‘days-out’ and a newly built
wooden house fully equipped with toilet facilities served as a retreat in case of bad
weather. The pedagogical staff and a public servant had discussed how to make
better use of the grounds around the house and next to the forest. The idea of a
forest man came to life as a result of the ministerial launch of the possible funding.
A male pedagogue was recruited and temporarily employed with the purpose of
arranging outdoor activities and to attend these. The kindergartens scheduled their
visits to the wood with prospects of a good result – neatly arranged outdoor activities
– and informed the parents of the undertakings and the expected outcome. Knives
were bought for cutting of sticks and numerous minor long-term projects within the
project took place, such as knowledge of tree sorts, and varieties of snails and
slugs.
The project was based mostly on the initial assumption that activities connected to
outdoor life e.g. climbing trees are attached to masculine sets of values and the
sincere belief that playing outside would appeal to men. However, in the course of
the project the initial assumptions and stereotypes were challenged, resulting in the
fact that now also a female pedagogue acts as forest woman.
2.2.2. Aalborg Municipality – A Man at any Prize
Local observations had assisted the originators in Aalborg Municipality in assuming
high-profiled institutions to appeal to male staff. This observation leads to the
supposition that male pedagogues may be recruited to kindergarten. Around 4 % of
the day-care staff in Aalborg is men. A look at the actual share of male pedagogues
in University Colleges made the project wonder how come kindergartens were not
their first priority.
This project had a genuine belief in gendered differences in terms of pedagogical
quality and sincere worries that children may spend years in kindergartens without
having met a male pedagogue. Consequently, the project was designed with high
hopes and particular anticipations concerning potential male colleagues. Besides an
increase in male staff and a higher quality in the kindergarten, the project expected
a more gender-balanced staff would improve the work environment.
Semi-structured interviews were generated in collaboration with the nearby
University College. The purpose was to gain a profile of the male pedagogue and to
acquire possible explanations to why most male pedagogues refrain from working in
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kindergartens. Almost all of the 30 male pedagogues employed in the municipality
participated. Some of the findings were:
Kindergartens need a profile and this profile should appear in the adverts;
Male students are often unaware of the possibilities in kindergartens; University
Colleges offer insufficient information;
Directions in kindergartens restricting male pedagogues are distrustful;
Male pedagogues attract other male pedagogues to the sector;
Male pedagogues wish to work full-time, and many institutions offers part-time;
The pedagogical profession in general is met with prejudice and preconception.
A rotation principle was designed – ‘a man for hire’. One male pedagogue would
move between 7 kindergartens (the kindergartens volunteered). Being a man, the
pedagogue supposedly would influence and change daily routines. The male
pedagogue was asked to observe and make records of his experiences during his
stay. The duration varied but never less than a week.
2.2.3. Skanderborg Municipality – I do the same but in a different way
Diversity became a keyword in Skanderborg Municipality. Diversity as in ‘multiple
ways of being a pedagogue’ and not differentiated by gender alone, but by beliefs,
interests, and concepts. The enterprises were guided by a motto: ‘I do the same in a
different way’ and the intention was all along whether the children would notice and
benefit from the accomplishments.
Initial attempts were made to alter the recruitment practice and the advertising for
new pedagogues by questioning e.g. procedures and language usage. In their
present state the adverts were found to have been either constructed by women
with concordant views and/or directed to pedagogues (women) with similar interests.
Accordingly, the project questioned a few male students and asked for their opinion
on ‘buzz-words’ in an advert and what would make them apply for a job in a
kindergarten. The outcome was that adverts must have a built-in appeal to all kind of
pedagogues (diversity) and must have a focus on pedagogical possibilities and
activities, be it indoors or outdoors. Obviously, quality and the ability to form and
contribute to quality are essential elements.
Apparently, a construction has developed over the years related to applications
being handed in to kindergartens; an anticipated pre-visit from the applicants. Some
of the applicants (women) will visit, but (most) men attach no importance to such a
visit. Often the no-callers may not be invited for an interview.
The kindergartens initiated a process of changing the language connected to daily
routines and the gendering of some actions or notions. Preparing lunch and laying
the table is for anyone to do and has no gender. Talks about women being able to
multitask and men being more impulsive and wild were questioned. In other words, it
was attempted to release ‘features’, notions and abilities from gender and focus on
the person and the quality of the action in question. Now and again observations
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were made showing reactions from the children to e.g. a man performing a specific
task presumably more often performed by his female colleagues. If the children
would comment on this being unusual, the pedagogues would ask them why and
talk with the children about ‘what girls and boys can do’ instead of what they
“typically” do and want. Outdoor arrangements, a summer party and gatherings with
the parents and external consultants were other activities in order to make room for
reflections.
Discussions took place among staff and with occasional external expertise from
University College as to highlight consciousness of gender; of differences, strengths
and possible prejudices. The project joined information eves in the regional
University College in order to draw (new) student’s attention to the pedagogical
profession and to chat with male students about the job-possibilities and the matters
of appealing adverts.
By operating the latter, the project hoped to gain new knowledge and influence staff,
politicians and parents to wish for and to think diversity as a must. Children should
be content, happy and challenged by content, happy and qualified staff of both
genders. The wellbeing of the children is the core of it all and the wellbeing is part of
a result affiliated to a diverse staff, both genders, with different views, ideas and
qualities.
2.2.4. Hørsholm Municipality – Architecture of Multiplicity
Three kindergartens were involved in Hørsholm Municipality which have very few
male pedagogues employed. The municipality formed a partnership with a private
consultancy firm who designed and took lead of the activities. The core concept was
nudging, i.e. a gentle way of changing people’s behaviour; in this context a change
of the mind-set of specific target groups. The target-groups were the local
politicians, the parents and the staff. They were all supposed to wonder why no
male pedagogues were to be found in the kindergartens. Secondly they were to
wish to attract and to recruit men.
The private consultancy firm performed a series of interviews with male students
who were asked to convey their personal opinions and ambitions in terms of a
possible job in a kindergarten. Among other things, the student pointed the lack of
so-called 'male' attitudes. According to the consultancy firm the students described
‘male attitudes as that of being relaxed and impulsive, creating fewer limits and with
a more direct manner.
Through observations and videos of daily routines and activities the project
ascertained that the quality of the kindergarten and the daily care may be improved
and that men could play a valuable part in this. As a result of this conclusion – to
gently change the mind set – a series of wall stickers, e.g. portraying children and
pedagogues playing, or with an image of a pair of wellington boots was produced.
Another contribution was a catalogue displaying inspiration to children’s games. The
catalogue and the stickers were to nudge and remind the staff and parents of the
benefits of masculine presence.
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2.2.5. Fredensborg Municipality - Professionalism as a Strategy for
Recruitment and Retention
Through a series of corresponding activities the originators of this initiative set out to
reformulate the identity of a pedagogue and to root a new image of childcare as a
scientifically and methodically based profession. Naturally, the recruitment and
retention of male pedagogues - and a gender perspective – was part of the
approach. Six institutions took part in the mutual efforts in Fredensborg Municipality.
The project was framed by the hypothesis that a professional identity may only be
changed through investigation into the presiding understanding of core values and
aims. Considerations of values and knowledge must be debated and shared with
other professionals, locally as well as nationally.
The project claimed a need for kindergarten staff to be diverse, and to be as
different and individual as the children. An internal course kicked off the actual
reformation process of the pedagogue and the professional identity. Other
structured courses followed with a focus on gender and gender perspectives, a
focus on matters of language and routines and ways to organise the male staff and
recruit male colleagues. Participants were leaders, pedagogues, assistants, and
trainees. Staff meetings would fixate the themes mentioned previously and keep up
the work via transcribed descriptions of everyday activities and observations
affiliated to the central question of professional identity and a gender perspective.
Alongside the internal courses, the project initiated minor activities as part of the
new agenda. A group of male pedagogues were pooled in one kindergarten in order
to obtain knowledge of whether a grouping of ‘equal gendered pedagogues’ would
make the men in question feel better.
The local advertisements and the procedures when new pedagogues are required
were questioned and a modernisation became part of the reforming ideas. The
project teamed up with a renowned researcher, professor Dorthe Staunæs.
3. Results of the good practice and its impact
on achieving gender equality
Some of the projects have reported they are not nearly done implementing their
results or intentions. We have just begun, we are at the starting line is the common
observation. Some of the results are listed below.
The temporarily employed male pedagogue in Hjørring Municipality has received a
permanent engagement in one of the kindergartens and the forest and the wooden
house no longer have ‘A Forest man’ connected to it. The use of the grounds is
stable though even without a leading figure.
In Fredensborg Municipality the originators of the project intend to mainstream their
observations and records. They are steadfast when it comes to placing the
profession in the centre of it all and wishes to set gender aside in terms of gender
being a feature, the qualified pedagogue being the core. Leadership is an anchor to
their work.
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Aalborg Municipality has decided to establish a new kindergarten renowned for
diversity, hence male and female pedagogues, presence and values. The
municipality has set sails to form ‘a light-house project’. The project has produced a
guidebook to support interviews with applicants and the leader of one of the largest
kindergarten departments has decided that for every set of interviews at least one
man should be invited.
Skanderborg Municipality has thrived in changing advertisements and procedures
affiliated to it. They have succeeded displaying that diversity in staff, and that male
and female pedagogues together bring about a variety in possibilities for children.
Besides being able to mirror themselves in adults of both genders the children are
given the possibilities of participating in learning and playing activities offered by a
diverse staff. The project has reported that some of the outdoor activities have
brought about incidents where usually shy children have behaved bravely and
sceptical parents have been convinced.
Seemingly, male and female pedagogues are able to inspire each other, or even
‘provoke’ abilities to surface. In Hjørring Municipality a female pedagogue now
claims to be the Forest Woman. I can do almost the same as the Forest Man. They
laughed a bit at me in the beginning. They do not laugh anymore. I have even laid
out tiles in the back yard. I must have ‘forgotten’ how to do these things.
3.1. Challenges, obstacles and constraints encountered
It is possible to map out a series of transverse themes which can be described as
challenges or in some relations even obstacles.
3.1.1. Leadership and management
The venture to obtain a gender balanced staff in kindergarten is a race against odds,
if the local and municipal political authorities have no intention to practise gender
mainstreaming beyond the legislative standards. It takes strong leadership as one
on the projects put it. One may succeed with a funding, but it is compulsory to have
a political back-up in order to retain, preserve and develop the results achieved. This
goes for the daily leadership in the kindergarten as well. A precise, detailed and
well-known gender policy in the municipality will never prosper if the leaders of the
kindergartens themselves refrain from taking on a management responsibility in this
respect. Together with the leaders of the kindergartens the board members must be
involved and take on responsibility. Furthermore, the conveyed policy and principles
of the actual kindergarten needs to be taken into account.
A leader of one of the projects had made this observation: I am amazed that none of
my fellow colleagues had any questions. She considered this lack of interest among
peers an obstacle.
3.1.2. Parents
Not every parent thinks the presence of male pedagogues a blessing. He or she
may find it hard to believe a male pedagogue is able to offer care and attention or
may even see men as a possible risk. This observation was made by almost all of
the projects. On the opposite, some parents are quite enthusiastic when they spot a
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man in the kindergarten. In their point of view football and fire finally may be added
to the daily activities. One male pedagogue had to explain this was not necessarily
the case. This man was transferred to an institution with no male pedagogues. He
had to explain to the parents that he had plenty of responsibilities to perform and
that building a campfire was not the epitome of his pedagogical qualities.
3.1.3. Gender, body and expectations
Every project has experienced challenges affiliated to gender, body and
expectations. Participants have explained this by referring to culture, paradigms and
societal patterns. Nevertheless the expectations towards male pedagogues taking
upon them to work in kindergartens are easily summed up; these men are met with
specific hopes – and prejudices.
Our performance and attachment to the children have changed a lot. The activities
are different and so are we. (Pedagogues in Hjørring). Hjørring Municipality
described their initial position as a strong belief in the combination of men and wild-
life and male sets of values. They admitted afterwards they had been certain a male
pedagogue would bring about a lot of new activities (campfire, rope ways, tree-
climbing). But we know better now, as one of the participants put it. The
pedagogues have changed their opinion of men and women and their abilities and
they have changed their opinion on their personal capacities.
Expectations and prejudices towards one gender nourish expectations towards
another gender and restraining structural patterns are created and upheld.
Based on these records a series of brief maxims are:
The only possible way to broaden viewpoints is by constantly challenging the
images and the ideas of diversity, gender and gender roles. The pedagogical
leader of the kindergarten should take charge of this.
Prejudice and bias affiliated to gender and work is hard to come by in terms of
childcare.
Bodies create anticipations, but abilities have not gender stamped on to it. Some
women are keen on outdoor life, some men are happy with storytelling.
Do not expect everybody to think gender-mainstreaming in the kindergarten is a
brilliant idea.
Routines, patterns and unquestioned schemes may cloud the picture.
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4. Assessment of the strengths and
weaknesses of the good practice
4.1. Introduction
The projects have worked intensely and have made essential observations although
some undertakings were changed and not every part of the plans came to life.
However; further research into some of the observations is necessary.
4.2. Strengths
For the sake of the children
The projects have taken into consideration how the children may benefit from a
more diverse and a more gender-balanced staff. Children need a multiplicity of
different identification possibilities. Pedagogues naturally must represent the societal
diversity and therefore be male and female. Even though the discourse ‘for the sake
of the boys’ has a part in this argumentation, the projects have been able to set
aside the ‘boys-only rhetoric’ and include the girls. This is an acknowledgment of
changed parenthood, new father’s role, new images of kindergartens, and men and
women as professional child-care-givers. Many parents have stated that their
children are happy with the variety in activities. This may be caused by the activities
being new, different, and sometimes a bit ‘wild’. Finally some fathers have
expressed their satisfaction when being able to talk to a male pedagogue.
A wake-up call
Although different approaches and varied outcomes none of the projects had
anticipated that activities and arrangements would make them discover their own
patterns and routines, prejudices and notions. Many of the participants were
astonished by solid and rigid beliefs in gender, body and abilities. They were
affected when they realised how this may have inflicted on their choices and
decision and on how often they had just taken things for granted.
Adverts
A mutual strength is the discovery of the factual systems and procedures when
looking for new fellow pedagogues. Apparently, the design, the language and the
procedure has developed unquestioned over time and the procedure has been
framed by a certain undisputed ‘air of care’. Seemingly a construction has taken
place; a construction and replication of firm ideas of the colleague to be and of non-
formal but solid expectations to performance when invited for an interview. Every
project has recognised and worked hard to remove restraining procedures.
Questioning daily routine
Routines are dreary but should be questioned as most of the projects have set out
to do so. Questioning may not be sufficient and all along the road individuals tend to
fall back into recognisable structures and schemes. Promoting more staff diversity
and gender balance can help to challenge daily routine and to bring about new
impulses and innovation.
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Contact to students
A prior contact to male students on information eves and meetings with students in
the BA programme was a very good approach. These students were (and are) likely
to be fresh sources of knowledge. They have chosen or are about to choose this BA
programme for good and solid reasons and their motives and aspirations may
stimulate the actions to gender-balance kindergarten staff.
It is not a only question of ‘more men’
An increase in the number of male pedagogues is likely to prosper from a change of
how this increase is described and is anticipated to take place. As an alternative to
‘more male pedagogues’, it is a matter of ‘more credit to a profession’. The Danish
kindergartens offer the very best of care because of highly professional
pedagogues.
4.3. Weaknesses
A series of starting points have formed the basis of most of the activities. These
suppositions may be described as weaknesses:
Men are different
According to the public opinion, men are expected to contribute via 'natural' abilities,
and preferably these abilities only. The present staffs – the established professional
pedagogues of whom the majority is women – are the ones to define the acquired
skills or type or contribution required. Individuals are put off by restrictions linked to
their conduct when the restrictions are based on gendered dogmas.
Little use of knowledge of men’s reasons to become pedagogues
Apparently none of the projects have examined why men choose to become
pedagogues. Given the fact that (some) men are employed in kindergartens and
that men are rather visible in the BA programme, valid information may have been
obtained beforehand. Available information should be taken into consideration,
when projects decide to attract and recruit colleagues into jobs where the acquired
individuals are defined as the minority.
Permanent changes or just slight modifications
It is less noticeable whether the presence of (more future) male pedagogues is
expected to bring anything else but (some) anticipated changes in routines and
procedures. It is also unclear whether the anticipated changes mean changes up to
a certain point and then ‘business as usual’.
Empirical approach
There is much room for improvement when it comes to the empirical approach. How
the questions were constructed, tested and validated, how the interviews were
performed and how the answers were analysed and by which categorisations is
imperceptible and therefore questionable. The classification of activities in the
kindergarten as either male or female is problematic. The underlying reasons for
making such a division are vague, so is the ‘prior research’ and method by which
this classification has taken place. That no man is present in a kindergarten cannot
lead to the deduction of abilities not being present.
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Woman originators
Only few men were among the originators of the projects and only one man was a
front figure, the fact being that women are the majority in childcare. Knowing that the
very few men in childcare may inspire other men, the projects should consider this
and men should be asked to take lead of some of the initiatives and activities.
5. Main questions and issues for debate at the
meeting
Which of the projects or actions mentioned would be transferable to your
country?
Why this project and why these activities?
What would it take were you to instigate a similar project in your country?
Which formal qualifications are needed in childcare/kindergartens/crèches?
What is the main obstacle for attracting men to childcare?
Have you any men employed in childcare?
There is a mutual agreement among the projects that children benefit from
observing daily doings being performed by both genders. Nevertheless, the daily
doings in the kindergartens have been divided into distinct gendered doings,
unquestioned over time. The actual division is somewhat blurred, but kindergarten
pedagogues are women with few exceptions, meaning the women are the dividers.
How can we overcome this?