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.

Uplifting Story-Research that Benefits Children & Families

In my line of work I come to rely on the research that affects children. I don't any children who have participated in research specifically. I will honestly say that I may be willing to participate in research for children based on what it is for and why. I will only consider research as long as I don't have to give my children any types of medication. It is one thing to expose myself *(which I have) but to do it to my children is another matter.
However, in my everyday use, I depend on articles and research for things like biting and other matters of growth development affecting young children. I have conferences with parents and other teachers to deal with issue. I even print out things for those that are visual learners so they can understand what is happening. I then try to come up with a solution or plan of action as a team. I believe that without this research or information we wouldn't have the solutions we do. In these cases I appreciate the research that was done. I do not believe that harm came to the children. Well, maybe a slight harm, like another child may get bitten. In this case it is understandable. Not nice but an understandable risk. I can't believe that I am saying that. However, when looking at it this way I see it.

My Personal Research Journey

 I am now taking a research class. I really don't know how I feel about it. At first I was intimidated and looking forward to it. Now that I have had a chance to get my feet wet; I am less intimidated, still not excited yet. I have though decided on a research topic. It is one that I am very excited to learn more about and enlighten others on too. The subject is on ADHD. I want to better understand children with ADHD and how we as educators can help them succeed.

When I first was told I had to have a subject to research, there was nothing that immediately jumped out at me. Not until I later read a post by a fellow student did I then realize I wanted to learn more on ADHD. I have a child who has ADHD and have struggled for teachers who generally want to help her succeed and do so. I have experienced that saying and doing are very different things. I also feel that they may have wanted to but did not really know how to. What works for one child may not work for another; I mean strategies. Well, the process of narrowing down the subject to subtopics has been challenging for me. I want to do it exactly the way the teacher/professor wants, and I seem to be struggling  with that too. Unfortunately, this process is not easy for me. I have too much freedom. I am a person who needs you to tell things. After all, I grew up in the military environment and am still heavily involved as military spouse. Where some may like the freedom, I find it overwhelming. However, just like all things in my life, I will accept the challenge and move forward. I do like the learning process. Even though I may not like it, I am learning things outside my comfort level meaning this will give me opportunities to grow. I believe that the first step moving forward is to change my perception of this whole thing. I need to look at it more positively instead of so negatively. From today, I will make that pact; only positive thoughts about this research. After all, in the end I will have learnt something new that will help me, my child, and my colleagues.

As I learned how to understand research articles, I found it helpful. Using the chart was also helpful to breakdown an article and then go back and see exactly what it was saying in a way that I could understand. In the end, it was helpful.

From your perspectives, do you have any advice for me? How is your process going? I can use all the help and advice I can get.

TIA

Final Review of Issues and Trends in Early Childhood

Learning about all aspects that affect Early Childhood is important. With the good comes the bad and you have to accept all aspects of the field. Three things that I can say that are consequences to learning about the International field of Early Childhood for a professional and personal stand point is:

• Globally, we have things to overcome in the field of Early Childhood, not just in our own back yard.
• Overseas do not have the same resources financially that we do here. So we must pay to help those in need. It could be costly at our own expense. The rewards could be great but comes with a price.
• Finally, I feel like we have not made much head way in the progress of Early Childhood if the conditions are so widespread. The problems and issues seem so great. It is a little disheartening. I am truly sad. I wish, pray, and hope for an end to the suffering children are faced with. 

One goal that I have for the International field of Early Childhood is that we continue to press forward for improvements in the lives of these little heroes. I say heroes, because they are overcoming great odds. We need to continue to bring awareness of this issue. Jerry Lee Lewis use to have telethons. Perhaps that's something we need to revisit to bring awareness. We need to optimize the technology that is at our disposal. 

Professional Goals, Hopes and Dreams

As I go deeper into my study in Early Childhood Studies, I am proud to be a part of an organization that works so hard in the area of young children. This week, I have learned and stressed the importance of being perceived as more than a "babysitter". It is my hope to help change that perception and be regarded for what we really are, "Professionals", working for the holistic development of children from birth to age 8 (at least). I love what I do and hope that comes across to others I am around. I want the behavior and attitude I have towards working with children to be a contagious behavior. I know that what I am doing can be perceived as contagious because we all want to see the best in kids. Adults make a difference in children's lives. Experience and further education will bring about the positive changes we need in regards to the profession of Early Childcare.
You can have a love for children, which is the start to a prospering career. At my job, that love can transfer into a fulfilled career. We will take that love for children and offer an opportunity for growth and development in the form for education through modules and then a CDA. We want each person to continue and grow. Not only do we want the best for our children but for the staff as well. In this career, there is always new information coming about in the growth and development of children. We want our teachers to be fully prepared to handle various children and situations when regarding children.
It is my goal and dream one day to no longer be in a classroom and be the one to help guide those that are in the classroom. Not that I don't love being in the classroom and being hands on with children but I feel it is now my time to move forward and lead the younger generation. I think it the time has come to now educate and guide those that working with children. I want to take what I know and have experienced and spread it to them. I feel now is the time. Also through my course of studies I want to be an advocate for children. Never before would I have thought as a path I would walk, but I see that being a professional and an advocate go hand in hand. As a professional I see it as my duty to spread the word and advocate for the profession and children. I am really surprisingly excited about this new adventure.



After exploring the website, UNESCO I am excited to see another organization with the interest of Early Childhood Care and Education across the world. It is so important to make a difference in the lives of children. I can see that the interest should not just lie in our country but in others as well. They too continue to partner with other countries and organizations to improve the lives of children and their families. It also is interesting to me that they are not interested in an monetary help but want you to get involved through their join us tab. I see their goal for excellence and quality for children through their projects, resources and achievements sections. As I have seen through other websites, they are in various countries in the world. It is my hope that through all these organizations, we are making a difference in the lives of children.

Navigating through websites

Because we are talking about policymakers and advocates. I have decided to explore this section of the website, www.zerotothree.com. In this section I found that this area has some good articles that I would be interested in learning more about. For example, there was an article about “preventing expulsion from preschool and Child Care” I can not believe that this is happening, but at the same time I can see how. Once I researched the page a little more, I saw that there were videos related to the subject. This kind of opened my eyes to the fact that this is happening in the field of Child Care. I am actually shocked and perhaps disappointed in my peers. Children are going to act up and have temper tantrums. I feel that if a child is resulted to being expelled then the teachers are not taking the time to look at the child to see what is going on. This kind of behavior tells me that there is so much more under the surface of a child that he/she is not telling. This behavior at times also tells future problematic systems like undiagnosed special needs, etc. We are letting children fall through the cracks. This makes me sad, upset, frustrated, and disappointed all at once.

Also, researching the Global Fund for Children shows me that they continue to advocate for children. However, what they do for children is not free. The emails that I have and continue to receive from them are to solicit money people who show interest in their website. I have not yet donated any money, but am intrigued to find out, what I happens if I do. Is that the next step of involvement with this group? I don’t doubt that money they receive has only the child’s best interest at heart. It would appear that they are concerned as I am with the education and well-being of young children. Especially ones, that do not live in our country, but ones that live abroad.

Other things I learned this week is that we are continuing to press on towards the good fight for early childhood education and the inclusion of preschool children. It seems that the issues we have are not new. That tells me that we are still fighting for young children. In my opinion progress seems to be made but is it at the rate that many of would like? It would appear not. The question is then, how do we get things moving faster?  

References:
https://www.zerotothree.org/resources/series/policymakers-advocates