When I think of Research....

As I type and post my last blog for this class, EDUC-6163 Building Research Competencies, I want to thank my classmates/colleagues for their support and feedback. Your guys have helped me on my path of growth and knowledge for Early Childhood.

I have gained quite a bit of insights about research from this course. I know that there is so much to consider when doing a research project. It is much more than a scientific question, where you have a hypothesis, test, results, etc. While those things are included, doing a thorough research concerning children is so much more. You must take ethics into consideration and doing the right thing, while not violating any rights, rules, or common sense.

From the beginning of this course it is no secret that I did not like the thought of research. It made me cringed because I knew what it would take to complete this course, and it would be some work. I hated to read others research to gain support for my own research. However, after I the first few weeks of complaining I made a decision not to complain anymore and do it and look at things positively from that point on; and I must say it, worked. I have a different approach of looking a research now.

When it comes to conducting research, I learned a lot and everything I now know about planning, designing, and how to conduct research. None of it is easy but in the long run, the benefits outweigh the struggle or pain. I learned just because you have an idea you want to research, there is so much more that goes into it like, design. You must decide if you want to use a quantitative, qualitative, or even mixed method research design to say the least of the things I learned.

This whole research was a challenge for me. I did not want to do it, but now my thoughts are different. The biggest challenge I had was to come up with a research topic. I did not know what I wanted to know more of, but now that I have a topic, I am very happy with the topic. It is something that will benefit my family and other children.

Finally, I feel that because of this class my thoughts on what early childhood professionals do is so important. This just fortified my thoughts about them regarding how important they really are. This also just proves that they need to be seen and taken more seriously and looked at as professionals. I don’t know many professionals who are capable of writing quality research papers. It makes me continue to wonder when we are going to be perceived differently and get what we really deserve? Who else is agreement with me? What all do we deserve?

Research Around the World

This week I was pleased to look at International Childhood Development. I had several choices. They were:

1. Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

2. Early Childhood Australia

3. European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA).

I actually needed to choose one and explore it. However, I was thoroughly intrigued and decided to check them all out. And, I must say, I was very impressed and glad to see that globally we are trying to make a difference in children's lives. I am very pleased to see that globally we understand and know that Children are our Future. We must develop them and develop them well. 

As I looked through these websites Early Childhood Australia and The European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) stood out to me because they places I have seen children excel and had a first hand look at children's development first hand. I lived in Europe for 6+ years and although Australia and England have differences, they have many similarities too. 

As I looked through both of these websites it was hard to find what research topic each were concerned about. However, after digging I discovered that both were concerned and touched quite a bit on collaboration. I agree and have seen it more relevant in my studies that those who work in the Childhood field must work with families and parents of the child. I have always heard it growing up but since getting into my studies further I see a stressed emphasis on the subject. For good reason too. It is key and very important to the growth and development of a child. If everyone is on board for the child and on the same page then it leaves out confusion for the child. I think that children have enough to get through without the people who mean the most to them are always on opposite ends for the child. I feel that as Americans we firmly believe that however, the actions do not always line up with the words.

Things that were new and interesting for me after exploring the websites was that as the assignment points out " Early Childhood Australia is very similar to our NAEYC, there are many useful resources. I liked how user friendly it was. The website was packed with lots of useful information. I love to see how things are done in another country. I love it when the outcome always benefits the children and their families. I love that we are all trying to be helpful. I also like how the website offers way to use technology. I like that it is trying to stay with or ahead of times. I feel that being current makes you more understanding to the readers and relate-able.  It just gives another opportunity to stay connected. In the EECERA website it was great to see journals and an option to write in the journal. I love that I can be a part of it and write something useful and helpful. I liked that especially and found that interesting. 

The most noteworthy information I am walking away with from exploring these websites is that in the website titled Early Childhood Australia, it gives an opportunity for additional training's with modules, etc. It also has a tab for Leadership. I like how it wants us all to be better at what we do and offers resources. It really leaves little for excuses. 


http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/   


http://www.eecera.org/ 

I feel that you should check them out. I know you will not be disappointed.