"Bridging Cultures in Education: Exploring Multilingual Curriculum Design and Early Childhood Development for Inclusive Learning"

 

Week 3: My Scholarly Interests

My doctoral program:

 I am currently enrolled in the Curriculum and Instruction doctoral program at Purdue University, and my primary goal is to deepen my understanding of educational theories and practices, especially in the areas of culturally inclusive curriculum design and early childhood education. Through this program, I aim to explore how language, culture, and education intersect to create learning environments that respect and integrate diverse cultural backgrounds, ultimately promoting equity in education.

My intellectual history: 

My intellectual journey has been shaped by my experiences working in early childhood education and English education across diverse settings, particularly in Timor Island, Indonesia. My thinking was influenced by my involvement in designing curricula that integrated local traditions and languages, as well as the multiple intelligence approaches I encountered during my Master’s studies. These experiences led me to focus on how education can be made more contextual and relevant to the learners’ cultural environments, which drives my current interest in culturally responsive teaching.

My research interests: I am particularly interested in researching how cultural contexts influence curriculum development, especially in early childhood settings. I want to explore how indigenous languages and local traditions can be incorporated into formal education to foster language development and motor skills in young learners. Additionally, I am researching ways to use technology to bridge the gap in education for students in remote or underdeveloped regions. While I have experience developing curricula that incorporate local culture, I am eager to expand my knowledge on the integration of educational technology and community-based learning to further enhance these efforts.

One-Sentence Research Statement: My research focuses on the integration of cultural traditions and multilingual approaches into early childhood education, with the goal of promoting holistic development and improving language and motor skills in young learners.

My professional goals: I am currently considering several professional paths. I am deeply interested in working as a curriculum designer or early childhood education expert within the context of higher education. Additionally, I see myself contributing to educational policy or working with international organizations that focus on culturally inclusive education. While I enjoy research, I also find fulfilment in teaching and community service and am open to roles that allow me to engage directly with educators and learners, particularly in underdeveloped regions. However, I am also open to positions in education consultancy or curriculum development, where I can apply my research to real-world educational challenges.

My program focus and community impact: My focus on culturally inclusive curriculum design is rooted in my work with diverse communities, particularly in Timor Island. In these communities, I developed and implemented curricula that merged local languages and traditional activities with academic subjects, which helped children engage with their learning in a meaningful way. For example, I incorporated traditional games like “Siki Doka” into the teaching of English and Math to make learning more relevant and enjoyable. This approach had a positive impact on both the children and the broader community, fostering a deeper appreciation for education as a reflection of culture.

My comparison of education systems:

Then vs. Now:

When I first began my career in education, the focus in rural Indonesian schools was heavily on rote memorization and adherence to a national curriculum that did not consider local culture. Today, my work aims to address this gap by designing curricula that integrate cultural knowledge and local languages. This shift reflects a broader movement towards contextualized and inclusive education.

Similarities:

Despite the changes in methods, one constant has been the emphasis on basic literacy and numeracy. However, my current work has elevated this by incorporating cultural elements, making education more relevant and accessible to children in remote areas.

Differences:

One key difference is the integration of technology in education. Early in my career, technology was rarely used in the classroom. Now, I am exploring how tools like Pear Deck can facilitate online learning and help students in remote areas stay connected during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

My research and professional Impact:

Strong points of the Past:

One of the strongest aspects of my early work was its focus on community engagement. By involving local culture and traditions in curriculum development, I was able to create a learning environment that resonated with both students and their families.

Weak points of past education:

However, the rigid, one-size-fits-all approach of past educational systems often ignored the specific needs of local communities. My current work seeks to address this by focusing on flexibility and cultural relevance in curriculum design.

My current professional work:

As a graduate student right now, I now focus on empirical research to further develop culturally inclusive curricula. I am currently studying how cultural practices and technology can be combined to enhance language and motor skills development in early childhood. My work on graffiti as a communication medium and the use of Superbook media for children’s language development reflects my commitment to contextual education.

My area of interest in the relevancy to Today’s Education: 

My focus on culturally responsive teaching is highly relevant to today’s educational landscape. As education becomes more globalized, the need to create curricula that respect cultural diversity is critical. I am particularly interested in how multilingualism and local knowledge systems can be integrated into formal education, especially in marginalized communities. For example, my research into educational technology explores how digital tools can bridge gaps in education for remote learners, a topic that is gaining increasing importance in today’s world.

To sum up, my scholarly interests lie at the intersection of cultural inclusivity, multilingualism, and curriculum design. Through my doctoral program, I aim to expand on these interests by exploring how technology and community-based learning can further enhance early childhood education. My ultimate goal is to contribute to educational policy and curriculum design that not only enriches academic discourse but also provides practical solutions for underdeveloped regions like Eastern Indonesia.