Men in Early Childhood Education: My Interview With Izhwan Sh From Malaysia Early Childhood Education

Izhwan Sh works in the education field in Malaysia. “I am currently a tutor in Early Childhood Education at the Open University Malaysia. I work with parents studying in the ECE program.” Read on to learn more about Izhwan and Malaysia…

Q. What is Malaysia like?

"Malaysia is known as a multi-ethnic country, rich with culture and food. Geographically, Malaysia has two parts – Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. I live in Sabah (East Malaysia)."

Q. How did you get into the Early Childhood Education field?

"After I graduated … I had applied for Social Science Education as a first choice and Early Childhood Education as a second choice for a Bachelor program. I failed a psychometric test, so I didn’t have opportunity for the first-choice program. But, it’s such a miracle! I got a message to attend an interview for the second-choice program. Two months later, I received an offer letter for the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at the University of Malaya."

Q. What’s it like being a male teacher in Malaysia? And what do men bring to the classroom different than women?

"Being a male teacher in Malaysia is challenging because Early Childhood Education tends to be seen as a predominantly female occupation. But, ethics and professionalism is a priority. Male teacher tends to do [more] physical activity … and the children really love it."

Q. What is your favorite book to read to the classroom?

"'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' by Eric Carle."

Q. What activities do you enjoy doing with the class?

"When I was working at child care center on 2015, I liked to do a dance activity with the kids – they really enjoyed it."

Q. Do you have any inspiration to share with other men thinking about going into this field?

"You will learn about patience, love and creativity!"

Q. Why is play important for children? What about outside play?

"Play is important because children learn how to cooperate with others. Outdoor play can encourage children’s physical development, especially when they go to the playground, and children need recess to generate their energy for the next activity."

Read Izhwan's blog, Men in Early Childhood Education. 

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