When I think of research...

When I Think of Research...

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

Research is hard! To do research, you have to be very focused and invested in what you are studying.  To do this as a side project just would not work in my point of view. 

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

I am now well rounded on the different types of research and the process now.  I had no idea the in-depth fore planning a research study would entail. I have also concluded that research is just not for me at this point in my career. As I said above, you have to be fully invested and plan appropriately.  Right now with growing my family, my education, and maintaining my career, it is just not high on my priority list but is very relevant to the field and I am thankful for those that take an interest and provide me with the research I need to improve my practices!

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

Each area should be thought out well before starting a study – and then you must get the approval for research! You should also be conscious of the “what if” and other natural consequences or risks in starting a study so that you can plan for them as they occur. Also be prepared to stop a study if needed, possibly making all of your hard work not usable. 

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

Understanding the different methods and internalizing them so that I could explain them.  The understanding research charts were useful for me during this process as well as colleague input during discussion boards.  Sometimes I would google what we were reading about just to get a different picture than what the book was describing. 

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

  An early childhood professional is more than just a teacher, advocate,     or specialist in the field.  The professional encompasses all areas of        the learning spectrum and the research conducted by such                    professionals is integral to our current best practices. 

I want to take the time to thank all of my colleagues during this journey! You are all a wonderful asset to the field and I enjoyed learning and growing for each of you through our blogs and discussion posts.  I wish all of you the best of luck in your upcoming courses and in your classrooms or careers! This is my last class for a couple terms as I am preparing for baby #2 due in late spring and need some time to get ready and then adjust!!

Research around the world -Australia

I chose the Early Childhood Australia  (ECA) http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Some of the current international research topics include childhood obesity and child health, School Readiness for children, Being, Belonging and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – which addresses a National Standard for early learning. There is also information about advocacy for supporting best practices and play based learning models. 

 I like that the site was easy to navigate and well organized.  The Supporting Best Practices sub page has helping links and information for babies and toddlers, children ages 3-9, feelings and behaviors, children’s rights and so much more. 

One thing I didn't like was that to retrieve any articles from their magazine or Research in Practice series, you had to purchase a subscription or book.  However, they do provide you with an abstract.

What I think is most interesting is that Australia seems to be researching and advocating for the same research that we are here in America.   I am sure it is on a different scale giving the size difference of the countries.  Australia also has a position statement in support of the aboriginal people of Australia and their loss of land and life due to new inhabitants to the island.  Their statement supports the teaching of history and culture.