The last few months have been a whirlwind of travel and discovery. My Fulbright Research project has taken me into South Asia where I've been examining current issues in early education and teacher education in diverse contexts, and I have tried to understand them from multiple perspectives and world views. I have visited institutions, universities and schools; spoken with policy makers and practitioners; participated in conferences and panel discussions; and observed children in a variety of settings. Underlying it all has been the sharp reminder of how closely cultural values shape teaching and learning around the world.
My posts here are not in real time but after the fact as I near the end of my travels. But I want to begin with sharing some of my notes on the culturally rich tapestry of South and South East Asia within which my consequent discussions on schooling, teaching and learning will be contextualized. So enjoy the brief posts as they gradually appear and give the readers a hint of the flavor of some of the places I've visited this year: New Delhi, Goa, Allahabad, Puducherry, Ahmedabad, Pune, Mumbai, Singapore, Bali, Colombo, Galle, Anuradhapura, Male...