KUCHING – Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus’ first batch of Diploma of Early Childhood Education (DECE) students recently went on an enlightening field trip to Green Eduland Kindergarten, where they had the opportunity to immerse themselves in a natural kindergarten environment and observe how experienced teachers interact with children.
The initial purpose of the visit, which took place on 7 November 2023, was to provide Swinburne Sarawak’s DECE students with a basic idea of how language learning is conducted in an actual kindergarten classroom and to better support their very first lesson planning for their assignments. The trip was organised by Lecturer Ms Ting Mee Ling and accompanied by Lecturer Mr Choo Chian Hou.
However, the DECE students were set to gain so much more than what they had expected and had a remarkable and memorable experience.
The students were warmly received by Green Eduland Kindergarten Principal Ms Grace Wong, who is also a well-established entrepreneur and an international children’s storyteller. Ms Wong had graciously offered Swinburne Sarawak’s DECE students the opportunity to visit and experience a kindergarten environment first-hand.
The DECE students were able to witness a storytelling session with a group of four-year-olds by Ms Wong herself. They were also provided with newfound insights into possible career and entrepreneurial opportunities through the sharing and Q&A sessions with Ms Wong.
Ms Wong conducting her storytelling session.
After the sessions with Ms Wong, one of the DECE students, Lee Zin Hui, had a chance to conduct his very own storytelling session with a group of five-year-olds.
“I felt excited to teach the children and it truly was a wonderful experience. The children were very proactive and energetic, making the storytelling session a very good and interactive one,” Lee said.
“Overall, this experience was eye-opening for me because I had to apply all the skills I’ve learnt from our DECE course to a real early childhood education setting – not only helping the children to learn but also learning alongside them.
“All in all, it was an amazing experience. It made me realise that teaching children is more than just ABC’s and I still have much to learn,” he added.
Lee conducting his storytelling session.
Apart from Lee, the other DECE students said it was indeed a fulfilling experience for them. Despite being only a two-hour field trip, the interactive and practical experience helped them gain a better understanding of the theoretical knowledge gained, link theories to practice and also gain new insights into the field of early childhood education.
On top of this, they enjoyed the heart-warming interactions they shared with the children at Green Eduland Kindergarten. All the DECE students appreciated the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the real world of early childhood education, one of their most memorable learning experiences to prepare them for their future endeavours as early childhood teachers.
A token of appreciation from Swinburne Sarawak is presented to Ms Wong (second left) as Ms Ting (second right) and others look on.
More information on Swinburne Sarawak’s Diploma of Early Childhood Education can be found at https://www.swinburne.edu.my/courses/diploma-of-early-childhood-education.php.
For more information on Swinburne Sarawak, visit its website, Facebook page (@swinburnesarawak), Instagram page (@swinburnesarawak), Twitter page (@Swinburne_Swk), TikTok page (@swinburnesarawak) or YouTube channel (Swinburne Sarawak).