Blog post 2.... The tales of Christabel's Journey, interest and goals.

Hello everyone, welcome to another session of my blogpost. So, far, Christabel enrolled in for a PhD studies and majoring in Curriculum studies here in Purdue University. 💁💁💁💁💁

As a matter of fact, there is so much excitement and expectations attached to this journey, firstly, it began with finding a programe that best fits my career expectations, goals and passion. I believe that this, program will not only enhance my understanding of curriculum and instruction but also empower me to make meaningful changes in the education system.

Nonetheless, what I hope to get out of this program spans from delving  into the knowledge of foundational theories of curriculum development and  history that is exploring cultural, philosophical, and practical issues in teaching and teacher education to equipping me with  research skills,  that is, advanced research methodologies, both qualitative and quantitative (interestingly, Iam already exploring these aspect in my first semester) , to becoming focused in my chosen area of specialization, as well as getting both networking, career opportunities as well as to contribute to the field of knowledge.

Basically, growing up, I would say that my passion influenced my thoughts generally. Seeing the hardships and missed opportunities faced by many especially women and girls in my community and the profound impact it has sparked my passion, because i understood that one of the easiest ways to address societal challenges would be to become an educator so as to address these issues in my career.  Although during my masters’ programs I have gained relatively new knowledge especially with understanding curriculum as a gender, race, and political text, these discourses increased my knowledge and it is within these areas my research interest resides.

 I volunteer and partake in public discourses and enlightenment campaign programs It gave me opportunity to teach, inform the general public about certain global policies and practices , educate them on SDGs in education, it was  a way of deconstructing oblivious assumptions against the girl -child , promoting equitable access to education etc., doing this, i realized that majority (parents , learners and the general  public) in certain communities and localities, (teachers inclusive ) are not aware about global polices, principles and practices, the few teachers who are aware do not know how they can contribute to SDGs in their line of work as teachers. All of these led to my interest in the area of inclusion diversity equity and quality education to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all. my commitment is to ensure that these discourses become an integral part of the curriculum, pedagogy, and ethos of teacher education, make substantial contribution by reshaping teacher education programs and as well as accelerate SDGs goal 4& 5.

At this time, my research interest appear to be general, however, my focus is to engage in research endeavors that shed light on the effectiveness of curriculum development programs , advocate for policy reforms that will support the integration of these principles ( diversity, equity, inclusion in general and special needs education) becomes an integral part of the curriculum, pedagogy, learning, and ethos of teaching institutions across the country (Nigeria)  for sustainable development that is to accelerate SDGs goals.

My professional goal ultimately is the professorship side. I envision three primary roles: an educator, a researcher and an advocate in the education space either working in a research-intensive or teaching-focused university as these form my short-term goals. Other professional goal is in the non- profit field where I hope to join the UN-women and learn more in advocacy, planning research and data. I would like to also delve deep into curriculum program planning and implementation of special need education, pedagogies and curriculums in public education.