When I think of research…

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

I gained many insights about research, though all insights gained are important, some stood out more than others. For starters, one insight I was delighted to gain is that a Code of Ethics guideline is in place to help minimize unethical practices in research.   It defines the core values of the field and is designed to protect the rights and wellbeing of children and adults.  Another insight I gained is that not all research seeks to show differences, some actually seeks to describe and explain a phenomenon.  I also gained insight of how to identify authentic research by studying Dr. Lepuschitz’s article, "A Practical Guide to Reading Research Articles" (Lepuschitz, 2011),through this course.

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

After taking this course, I have a greater understanding of the complexities researchers endure during the process of a study.  I must say I have a greater level of respect for the research profession.  It is very important to take into account all aspects of the study during the designing process in order to minimize unexpected delays and unethical practices.

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

I’ve learned that from the beginning to the end of the process each child is to be treated equitably regardless of their individual differences.  The researcher must refrain from personal biases while employ participation from children.  Children should be given the opportunity to give consent to participate in the study.   All researchers should follow the Code of Ethics guidelines to ensure the children’s best interest is always a priority.

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

One of the challenges I encountered was developing three sub-topics.  As I continued to work on the various assignments over the weeks, I was finally able to accomplish this.  Another challenge for me was to define some of the key terms in my own words.  I still haven’t totally mastered this skill, but I continue to try.  It was also difficult to understand some of the researcher verbiage

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

My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified by understanding the importance of research. It is essential in today’s society that any and all Early Childhood Professionals should stay informed of the various trends taking place in early childhood.  This can be accomplished by reading research articles, journals etc., networking and advocating for the betterment of children everywhere.  Research can promote successful outcomes for children, families, and society as a whole by giving them the opportunities to a good education.   


A personal "Thank you"  to each of you for sharing your knowledge and insight on research.  I've enjoyed reading your blogs and discussion questions.  Best wishes as you continue your journey in Early Childhood.

Reference

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A practical guide to reading research articles.  Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD

Research Around the World

1.     What are some of the current international research topics?

     Journal of Children and Poverty

a.   Teaching to learn and learning to teach

b. Research with children: three challenges for participatory research in early childhood

c. Assessing toddler language competence: agreement of parents' and  preschool teachers' assessments

d. Journal of the Institute for Children, Poverty, and  Homelessness

2.    What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

In the journal Teaching to Learn and Learning to Teach, some researcher’s reviews have revealed that physical activities are very low in childcare centers as a result of higher sedentary activities. I found this to be a bit surprising, because in my program, we use the creative curriculum model to empower social emotional, physical, cognitive, and language development. The curriculum promotes learning through play; thus empowering children’s developmental milestones.  As Pramling Samuelsson (2010) noted in a previous editorial of this journal, ‘Accepting children as equal partners also means to make play visible, since play is supposed to be a great part of the child’s world and the way into children’s social life and learning’ (Waller, Sandseter, Wyver, Arlemaim-Hagsér & Maynard, 2011).  I can understand this more if the child was in kindergarten, because most schools focuses on learning standards and academic scores rather than learning through play.  Most three to five your olds do not have the attention span to spend a lot of time engaged in sedentary activities, this is why I found this to be insightful information.  

Another bit of insightful information I gained from this article was the fact that children who grow up in urban areas are prevented from playing freely in their neighborhoods.  I can understand this due to the increase in drugs and violence that is usually associated with these neighborhoods.   However, if play is now being minimized or alleviated during the preschool years, these children are being denied the opportunity to freely engage in meaningful play; thereby inhibiting their social emotional, cognitive, physical, and language development.    

3.What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

Anyone can access a selection of popular and leading research articles for free!  Not only does the site offers free access to research articles, but it also  provides step-by-step instructions for publishing a journal article.  The website itself was a surprise to me because I didn’t know it existed before now.  I was also surprise to have free access to these journal articles, because usually there’s a charge to gain full access to well respected journal articles of this magnitude.  There are articles and books that provide limited access, but are available for purchasing on this website as well.

Reference:

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA): This international early childhood organization publishes a well respected journal. All back issues are accessible from this site and are fully searchable without charge.
http://www.eecera.org/

Waller, T.,  Sandseter, E. H., Wyver,, S.Arlemaim-Hagsér  E. & Maynard, T. (2011, May 29).   The dynamics of early childhood spaces: opportunities for outdoor play? Rutledge Publishing. Retrieved from http://www.informaworld.com/