
Contextualizing Early Childhood Education in International Schools
Systemic Change
Welcome to my digital portfolio representing the capstone project for my Masters in Education in Early Childhood Education from the University of British Columbia. My name is Nick Chignall and I invite you to come wade through the murky waters of international education with me and see how the blending of community contexts and education can blossom into something beautiful.
This project focuses on the tensions and importance of contextualizing early childhood practices for international schools. This interest stems from my ten years as an educator in Macao and the many personal and professional experiences I have encountered living within this community. Through my own walk in muddy waters with strongly held Western ideologies about child development and education, this project is a culmination of personal reflection, examination and critique of the practices that can often be imposed upon communities that international schools are a part of. While the waters may not yet be clear, international schools are budding with opportunities for growth and change.
Land Acknowledgement
While having lived abroad for over a decade in Macao, it is important to acknowledge the connection to both my current place and where I can come from. I am grateful and honoured to be working, living and connecting to the diverse communities within Macao.
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As well, I would like to acknowledge my other place and that of my family situated in North York where I lived, learned and grew for much of my life. These are the traditional lands of the Huron-Wendat, the Seneca, Haudenosaunee and the Missisaugas of the Credit.
How to Navigate
Please come and explore my project and site. You can use the buttons along the bottom to move from one section to another. The navigation bar at the top allows you to quickly access specific sections of the site.

Pink Lotus Flower. (n.d). Wix. www.wix.com