When I think of Research...

I think that I have gained a better understanding of how much goes into research and what good research if done in an ethical manner looks like. I have learned about the importance of making sure that before you complete any type of research with the participants in a study, they should have a clear understanding of what they will be a part of and know what role they will play in the study that is being conducted. “ Informed consent is based on the ethical view that all humans have the right to autonomy- that is the right to determine what is in their own best interest” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj Blatchford, 2010, p. 186).

Initially I was a little intimidated with reading a complete research study. I now know how to read the important components of the study so that I can fully identify what a researcher is trying to convey in their study.

My initial challenge was narrowing down my research topic so that I could be specific enough to formulate a good question.

As a result of this course I can now stay current on early childhood trends and research. I welcome the idea of applying research methods in my classroom. I’m looking forward to making the transition into early childhood. I feel that the knowledge I’ve gained on research methods can only enhance what I do in my classroom.

Research Around the World

This week we were asked to find information about early childhood research trends around the world. This week I decided to gain information about what type of research is taking place in Europe. After going to the European Early Childhood Education Research Association website, I found an article about Introducing children’s perspectives and participation in research. I found this article interesting because this is what we are discussing in our course at this time. I was happy to see that several courses in Europe are acknowledging the fact that young children are capable of participating in research studies and can provide valuable information that can be used in the studies.

I don’t think I was surprised about the information that I learned. I was glad to learn that children’s involvement in research is viewed as important in America and around the world. I was especially pleased to see that the delicate topic of involving children in research is being discussed in other places around the world.

Some other noteworthy information I found was a link to the The Korea Institute of Child Care and Education the EECERA exchanges links with other countries who have an interest in research, policy, and practice related to young children and their families.

http://www.eecera.org/journal/specialissues.asp

Facebook Page Information

https://www.facebook.com/pages/European-Early-Childhood-Education-Research-Association/220583304628072

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

The article I found this week focuses on research that suggests that meaningful engagment of families who play an active role in supporting their children's learning during the early childhood years has lasting positive affects on student achievement.

 http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/research/FamEngage.pdf

 

Personal Research Journey

This week we were asked to share what we will be doing for our research simulation. I would like research if i-pad technology has any benefits when used in the classroom setting for young children. I really think that this topic is too broad. I'm still trying to wrap my head around this research course and I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. If anyone has any suggestions I welcome them. Thanks.

Final Blog Assignment- Issues and Trends in Early Childhood

 

  
This week we were asked to think of three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field. Unfortunately I was unable to make an international contact as I would have hoped to, but I was able to view the podcast and gained knowledge about what is happening around the world in the field of early childhood education. For this reason I think the following are three consequences of learning about EC around the world.

1. Gaining ideas about what is being done around the world to address children who are exposed to poverty during the early childhood years.

2.  Helping other nations by sending materials they may need to support their efforts to meet the needs of their children.

3. Awareness of how poverty is affecting early childhood age children around the world.

Getting to Know International Contacts Part III

Quality

"To address today’s and tomorrow’s requirements, the education sector must impart the necessary competencies but also nurture lifelong learners. The two Analytical Tools (on Competencies and Lifelong Learning) help countries if their education system is equipped to produce the right type of human resources and good citizens".

This was taken from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and it is at the core of what I believe. This week we were asked what some of our professional goals are. I think this quote says it best. I really do believe that it's necessary for the education sector to nurture lifelong learners. I see the need to make sure that this philosophy begins in the early childhood years. This doesn't start at the high school level. Life long learning should begin before children enter their formal years in elementary school. For this reason, I am looking forward to making the transition from special education to early childhood education so that I can become a part of a community that nurtures lifelong learners into tomorrows future.

 http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/quality-framework/desired-outcomes/

Sharing Web Resources

The Foundation for Child Development 

 http://fcd-us.org/our-work/new-american-children

This week we were asked to explore more web resources. In my search for sites I found an interesting site that I had not yet visited during the course. What really caught my attention was a link to the one of the initiatives of the organization called The New American Child. According to the website, the initiative is to build a broad base of knowledge about the well-being of children living in low income immigrant families in the U.S. The goal of the initiative is to discover how to best nurture and educate the children, and then connect research with policies and practices.

This week it was nice to locate this website because of their interest in "The New American Child". I continue to see the importance of following what research says about providing early services to immigrant children in low-income households.