The importance of co-constructing meaning to me as a pre-service teacher

Reflecting on co-constructing meaning has never really come to my thoughts as I feel that co-constructing meaning comes naturally without thought, however, upon my current learning and development as a pre-service teacher I feel that children learn best through exploration, creativity and engagement. According to MacNaughton & Williams (2009, p. 233) ‘Sharing meaning with others enables children to reconstruct there on meanings’. As a classroom I feel it is important for children to socially interact with one another as this does have an impact on their language development, as well as enhance their understandings of meanings within the world around us. Children who express themselves through feelings, or generally anything that allows them to explore are within a community of learners. I believe as a pre-service teacher that in a class environment, we are equal human beings who are gathered together for the sake of becoming a community of learners. 


From my past schooling experiences, I don't feel multiculturalism was demonstrated to the best it could of, I can remember it was recognised and touched upon, however, I feel nowadays its very crucial to show how each individual is welcome and accepted due to the fact that some children can be less accepting if they are not fully aware of accepting differences. As a multicultural society, it is always essential to me that everyone has equal access to the learning environment for example, learning equipment, space and knowledge. I strongly feel that children’s interactions within each other is a requirement to learning as children learn from each other, children thoughts can be redirected and thought different from another perspective with the help of another individual. This therefore impacts on a child’s ability to reconstruct meaning to themselves and the world around them. My goal in my teaching career is to ensure culture is strongly embedded into the classroom, and to ensure I demonstrate the importance of equality, race and gender and to always be accepting of one another.


References:
MacNaughton, G & Williams, G 2009, Techniques for Teaching Young Children; Choices for Theory and Practice, 3^rd edn, Pearson Education Australia, NSW.