When I Think of Research...

 I have a new found appreciation for researchers. Since I have taken this course I gained new knowledge and understanding as to what goes into putting together a research study.

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

I have learned there are a variety of methods and approaches used to conduct research. I learned about qualitative and quantitative designs and the difference between the two. I learned that different studies require different methodologies depending on the outcome that is sought.

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

I have a new appreciation for research. I now have the ability to consider different approaches depending on a topic.

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

I now understand that many things have to be considered when planning, designing, and conducting an early childhood research study. There are many variables which can contribute or hinder a study. There are also ethical concerns which need to be considered and addressed.

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

I can honestly say I was terrified when I was enrolled in this course I knew it was important but I didn't think I would ever be able to wrap my brain around the big words let alone understand the meaning and the usage. I was able to sort it out and understand through the reading and mainly the discussions and professor through conversations and different perspectives things made sense and didn't seem as hard.

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

I feel I am more aware of the importance of keeping personal feelings out of the research topic. I have a respect for early childhood professionals who do conduct research studies to continually better our programs. I was really taken when I had the opportunity to read about how Head Start got its start through a research study and now I can view the progression with a knew found understanding. I take with me a learning experience which really caught me by surprise.

A note of thanks..  I would like to thank everyone as I really was intimidated by the course outline when we began our journey but with the positive discussions and communication through the blog and the help and support from Dr. Davis with much gratitude to all I can say I have learned from this experience and all of you have played a significant role.

Resource:

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Research Around the World

http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3401029.htm

For this weeks blog, Research Around the World I chose to look at Early Childhood Australia at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. This Australian website is equal to that of the United States version of the NAEYC. I found so many interesting topics to read but the one that fascinated me is the news article Mixed blessings from new childcare rules. I have included the link to the Australian broadcast. This article discusses how their Federal government new rules demand childcare centers employ more staff and that these staff members are better qualified. Early Childhood advocates agree that it is a huge step forward towards a brighter future. In this article some feel that this will become a financial hardship and the price increases will create problems for parents and ratepayers. Others disagree as they say it will only increase to 3 dollars a day which is less than a cup of coffee and the better care out weighs the hardship. I also was interested in another argument presented and that is with more care providers the stress on the current staff is decreased. I will be interested d to see how this all pans out in the future it might be something the United States could examine and implement if it is a successful plan.

Resources:

Early Childhood Australia:  http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Mixed blessings from new childcare rules: http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2011/s3401029.htm

Research that Benefits Children and Families

I would like to share positive research study that myself and my child were apart of. We participated in a literacy study that focused on urban area and a rural area which targeted three and four year old children. This program is called the SPARK Ohio reading initiative to improve children’s social emotional abilities, identify the needs of and challenges of children and the community before they enter kindergarten, improve parent’s abilities to educate their children. While my child participated, each month she had the opportunity to work one on one with a Spark teacher they would read a book, and then do an activity that was tied to the book. My daughter looked forward to seeing her Spark teacher monthly. I completed surveys that would ask an array of questions and I would mail my survey to the researchers. We participated in the program for three years they even followed her into her first year of kindergarten. As I good the SPARK Ohio program I see that they are supported by many different sponsors and they have expanded their program to five different counties. I am proud that I was on the research end of the program because they are now able to serve so many children that will hopefully have the same experiences as we did.

MY PERSONAL RESEARCH JOURNEY

            So many topics to be explored and how fast eight weeks will fly by. I have toggled back and forth with a variety of topics and have chosen to explore- The Social and Emotional Effects on Early Learners of the NO Child Left Behind Act.
I chose this topic as I find myself working with students of a variety of developmental different stages. I have students that are physically and cognitively ready for a school readiness program and then I have others that lack verbal skills, they are physically challenged, and behaviorally challenged. I find myself constantly working with the students who have needs and unfortunately not spending as much time with my typically developing learners. I leave my class feeling as if they were short changed which brings me to my topic as I want to know are they the ones being left behind because they don't have the opportunity to build relationships with the teacher like the other children who require more attention.I am looking forward to gaining knew insight on this topic over the next eight weeks. I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from anyone.

Assignment: Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

          Once again I chose the alternative assignment as I still haven't had the privilege of having anyone respond to my communications. The alternative I chose was UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/. I reviewed an article Solutions on Early Childhood Development in the Asia-Pacific region discussed. The article footnotes what occurred at A Regional Conference on Early Childhood Development which was held in Singapore in November 2011. The goal of the gathering was to discuss the importance of Early Childhood Learning experiences for children from birth to age three. The reports from 2010 showed that some policy development showed some progress but there is still great concern to find ways to prevent and decrease the under five mortality rates,  reduce malnutrition and increase access to services for children under three. During this conference EDC called for "the launch of the ["Resource Package for 0-3"] The package aims to equip policy makers, practitioners and parents with a range of information on ECD for the under 3 period." (UNESCO, 2011) Many of the countries in attendance agreed that is necessary to document EDC practices and create culturally appropriate policies.

            I found the article interesting and relative to current issues we are examining in our professions we all can agree across the world the importance of providing strong foundations and supports for our birth to three year olds. We all tend to be in the same situation trying to come up with meet their needs. I was surprised and saddened that many of the countries who attended this meeting have troubles with high mortality rates for the children five and under. I have to admit it is refreshing to see around the world early educators are getting on the same page to advance our profession.

Resources:

UNESCO’s “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/)

SHARING WEB RESOURCES:

For this weeks sharing web resource I went to the http://www.naeyc.org. While searching articles on the site I came across an article found on a related link from teaching young children http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/V5N2/Good%20Guidance.pdf. The article is titled The Problem Solver Job Peer- Mediated Conflict Resolution. I found the authors approach to conflict management very interesting and it is a technique I may find myself using next school year. She developed five laminated solution cards and introduces the job of the problem solver. Then as children interact with each other and a conflict a rises the problem solver choose a solution to the problem that both children can agree on this way the teachers solution isn’t always the only solution. Through having children find solutions to a problem it builds on their social emotional development. I found this article interesting as I am always open for classroom management suggestions regarding conflicts.

Resources:

Whitchurch, Sharma. and Sprague, Jackie. The Problem Solver Job Peer- Mediated Conflict Resolution. Teaching Young Children Vol.5 No.2 http://www.naeyc.org/files/tyc/file/V5N2/Good%20Guidance.pdf.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

      I have not heard from anybody that I have tried to make contact with so I once again have chosen to explore the alternative assignment Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative.” I found the website to be very informative and as it is one that I had not seen before I think I clicked on every link they had posted. The goal of the Global Children’s Initiative is to globally concentrate strategically on three domains which are early child development, early mental health, and children in conflict and crisis situations. According to the article the early child development piece is to get policy makers to invest in early learners. Secondly, they want to bring attention to an area that is neglected by many which is the early mental health. Third, are the conflict and crisis situations which are exploring approaches to help post earth quake children of Chili and Haiti and create strategies which address’s acute malnutrition. They are taking concepts from areas practiced and researched from the United States and taking them to other countries. I found an interesting video link which discussed the importance of a strong healthy foundation for children as when they experience crisis or conflict it interferes with the brains development. The Initiative also discusses the importance of policy and how it is import for them to advocate for policy changes for them to be successful. I found the website to be very interesting and I have placed it in my favorites as I will visit again in the future.

Resources:

Harvard University’s “Global Children’s Initiative” website (http://developingchild.harvard.edu/initiatives/global_initiative/)