Research Around the World

 

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

The insights that I have gained from taking this research course has helped me gain valuable knowledge and prepared me for becoming a better researcher. Doing research in this class allowed me to learn something new about collecting data, sharpen my problem-solving skills and challenged me in new ways. Taking this course has provided more insights regarding collaboration, and teamwork when working on a research topic.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

Every field of study has its research problems and methods. I get to choose what tools I want to use to gather and analyze the data.  Before taking the course, I was nervous about all the work that is required to do research. After getting a better understanding of how to research topics and by following all the necessary research methods that will guide you along the way, I feel more comfortable than before the class.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I have gained a better understanding of how to conduct research and all the important  pieces that need to occur before my analysis is complete. Learning about all the different research designs has broadened by knowledge of the amount of information that can be found on one subject by using many methods.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

Some of the challenges that I face in the course the amount of time that it takes to conduct research and to select the type of method research design that is will be perfect for the kind of research that you are doing.  

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

There have been numerous educators in the field who have used their valuable time to     complete research on topics that may affect early childhood. There is a vast amount of information that we can integrate and use to make sure that we are doing the best to develop our children to be successful.

*Thank you to my instructor Dr. Parrish and all my wonderful classmates who have made this course very enlightening and enhanced my knowledge in early childhood education. 

                                                   References
Image used retrieved from

Ask.com. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2016, from http://search.tb.ask.com/search/AJimage.jhtml

Early Childhood Australia ... A Voice for Young Children

I decided to look at the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) website which is the equivalent to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). There is information available pertaining early childhood to include access to webinars, publication articles, parent resources and a learning hub. The Australasian Journal of Early Childhood (AJEC) is Australasia’s leading scholarly journal and the world’s longest-running major journal within the early childhood field.

Current international research topics

Enabling preschoolers to get the most out of parental involvement –

     This is a study on the benefits of parent’s involvement.in children’s learning and development.  It has always been reported that parent involvement has a great impact on how children are prepared for the future. Some studies have shown that parent involvement does not have an effect or is meaningless. This study attempts to quell that notion and show that parent involvement is meaningful. (Qilong, 2015).

Thinking of children: Democratic approaches with young children in research

This article looks at the research approach used in a case study of children’s involvement in a kindergarten environmental education program. The study focuses on three key principles trusting relationships, respectful communication, and democratic participation. According to the study these principles are seen as ways to find solutions to the ethical that may affect how children are as participants in research. This research lets children’s voices be heard and values their contribution to the research that is being conducted. (Mackey& Vaealiki, 2011)

Supervision and assessment of the early childhood practicum: Experiences of pre-service teachers who speak English as a second language and their supervising teachers

This study focused on pre-service teachers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, and those who supervise them in early childhood settings, experience practicum assessment, and the extent to which practicum assessment takes into account pre-service teacher diversity.( Ortlipp, & Nuttall,  2011).

Insights/new ideas about early childhood 

It will be a wasteland if we don’t recycle’—Sustainability and intentional teaching in early childhood

One of the articles that I found on the site is research on sustainability. This research challenges one of the most important issues concerning the connection between society and environment and how early childhood education can contribute to sustainable living which is important to all educators worldwide. Young children in many early childhood settings worldwide are showing their  awareness of the impact on the environment and ways to minimize it. (Early Childhood Australia, n.d.)

Other noteworthy information on this website

The early childhood Australia organization publishes a publication called The Research in Practice Series which provides up to date information available on a variety of topics and for educators and others interested in the care and education of children.

Note: For access to the Australasian Journal of Early Childhood you have to be a member of the organization. I was able to read the journal articles by assessing through the Walden Library Resources

Anita

                                                 References

Early Childhood Australia - A voice for young children. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2016, from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Mackey, G., & Vaealiki, S. (2011). Thinking of children: Democratic approaches with young children in research. Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 36(2), 82-86.

Ortlipp, M., & Nuttall, J. (2011). Supervision and assessment of the early childhood practicum: Experiences of pre-service teachers who speak English as a second language and their supervising teachers. Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 36(2), 87-94.

Qilong, Z. (2015). Defining 'meaningfulness': Enabling preschoolers to get the most out of parental involvement. Australasian Journal Of Early Childhood, 40(4), 112-120.

Sustainability and intentional teaching in early childhood (free article) - Early Childhood Australia. (n.d.). Retrieved February 06, 2016, from    http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/our-publications/every-child-magazine/every-child-index/every-child-vol-18-3-2012/sustainability-intentional-teaching-early-childhood-free-article/

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Family involvement in a child’s life is crucial in child development and how they will be successful later in life. I read an interesting report on what it takes to help children be successful. “Don’t Forget the Families: "The Missing Piece in America’s Effort to Help All Children Succeed” The report is based on a study of 1,085 U.S. parenting adults of 3 to 13-year-olds. It focused on the importance of including families and building developmental relationships; how families are doing in building relationships and critical shifts for the future in helping children succeed. One of the subtopics that gained my attention in the report was "Reclaiming and Refocusing on Family Engagement". In my daily experiences sometimes it is hard to get parents involved in their children’s education because they are so busy and don’t have a lot of time.

This is think link to the site where you may read the entire research article. The article contains excellent information about the importance of families and the difference they make in their children's lives. It gives great indicators on what it takes to build relationships and demonstrates the outcomes of the positive effects it can have on children and their families.



http://www.search-institute.org/research/developmental-relationships/families


This is the link to the Search-Institute

http://www.search-institute.org/


References:

Pekel, K., Roehlkepartain, E. C., Syvertsen, A. K.,& Scales, P. C. (2015).

Don’t forget the families: The missing piece in America’s effort to help all children succeed.

Minneapolis, MN:Search Institute.

My Personal Research Journey

 

We always hear that children need quality early childhood education to be successful.  There are many programs available, but not all are quality programs. I decided to do research on how quality education affects or helps children later in life. One of my subtopics is having access to high-quality care access. Not all families can afford quality care. Families today live paycheck to paycheck and do not have access to high-quality, child care or education. They are forced to choose between getting the best care or education or leaving the paid workforce because they don't qualify for assistance. I chose this research because I want to be active in advocating all children to have access to high-quality early childhood education.     I look forward to researching this topic and providing any new information on quality child care and education.

I plan on developing a resource list that contains programs all over the country that are considered high-quality programs and to update the list as new information is received. I welcome any input or information that you have on this topic.

 My first resource for finding quality programs comes from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This link will redirect you to a page that will assist you in finding quality care in your area.

http://www.naeyc.org/academy/accreditation/search

Anita