When I think of research...

When I think of research... I think WOW! Who knew it involved so much detail?  I feel like I've been "awakened" in the realm of research after this class.  I used to think of research as finding out as much as I could on a topic.  After all, that's all it was back in high school.  Through this course, I now have new insights into the research process and I have a much better understanding of all that needs to be considered.

In designing a research study, one must consider the participants, the methods and data to be used, the variables, bias and cultural issues, ethical considerations, challenges and validity.  Consent should be given by all participants including children.  Relationships should be established ahead of time, if possible, to build trust.  This will help ensure accurate data.  Challenges will always be a part of the research process. There may be challenges in finding a sample that is representative of a population.  Another challenge that may be unforeseen are the extraneous variables.  While we can try to prepare for such occurrences, they just can't be predicted.

Early childhood professionals are excellent candidates for researchers as we are trained in many of the same respects.  We follow a code of ethical conduct and always look out for the best interest of the children.  Researchers, like ECE, need to be caring, trustworthy, and genuine if they are to get optimal results from their work.

I would like to thank all of my colleagues and my instructor for the continued words of encouragement, the thoughtful feedback, and the new insights they have given me throughout this course.  It has been a wonderful experience and I hope I have helped you all as much as you have helped me!  Good luck to all of you and may we meet again soon!

Lynn

 

Research Around The World

 

 

Early Childhood Australia is an international website dedicated to early childhood and can be found at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

 

There are several current research topics on this website.  In fact, there is a tab for the Research in Practice series (RIP).  Some of the titles in this series are:

 

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH TOPICS:

 

Reflection as a tool for quality: Working in the National Quality Standard

'Stories from the Heart' Connecting children and families with out Earth

Stars are made of glass:  Children as capable and creative communicators

Partnerships: Working together in early childhood settings

Dealing with bullying together:  Prevention and resolution

Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice

Nurturing the spiritual child: Compassion, connection and a sense of self

Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice

Children's resilience: Working with the Early Years Learning Framework

Learning and teaching through play

Stars are made of glass: Children as capable and creative communicators

Other research topics can be found in the numerous articles available.  International perspective on regulated family day care systems (April 12, 2013), recycling and sustainability, challenges of diversity and dissensus, and children's rights were all topics in the current articles. SURPRISING: One thing that surprised me was a link at the bottom of the home page which is a currency converter so that you can see prices in your own currency. Another surprise was a media alert dated March 19, 2013.  It was an announcement of a $300 million investment to fund wage increases for ECE workers from the federal government.  Yes, you heard correctly.  Here is a quote from the article:

March – Media Release – Wages investment supports quality early learning MEDIA ALERT Tuesday 19 March 2013 “An essential part of providing a positive early learning experience for children is having qualified educators who can lead a play based curriculum that supports children in their learning and improving educational outcomes. “But without sufficient wage increases it is difficult for services to attract qualified educators.”

NOTEWORTHY:

The website has a book for sale titled, The little red  yellow black book which is written from an indigenous point of view and is an introduction to indigenous Australia.  It's purpose is to gain understanding and respect of the cultures and includes everything from art and theatre to sports, education, and governance and history.

Research that benefits children and families

     There are many research studies done that have positive effects on children and families.  The NAEYC website offers links to many of these reports and summaries.  One such study looked at almost 200 early childhood education programs and their partnerships with public schools and community organizations.  The reports shows how these partnerships have sustained changes which benefit children and families.

     The Child Care Action Campaign (CCAC), found that partnerships were challenging because they required a change in beliefs and motivation.  This was just as challenging as acquiring or spending more money.  They also found that 80% of the partnerships were initiated by school superintendents.  Finally, the CCAC found that partnerships between schools and early childhood programs are an effective way to provide children access to high quality childcare, thus preparing them to enter school ready to learn.  These partnerships created a system that is "greater than the sum of its parts". 

     The CCAC made several recommendations based on their findings:
               

• All children should have access to the benefits of good quality child care and early education, especially in lower income communities.
• States committed to improving school readiness and educational outcomes should invest in bettering the quality of early education.
• Superintendents in all the nation's school districts need to see collaborative early childhood efforts as a vehicle for education reform as well as a foundation for universal prekindergarten.
• Not only should children be ready for school, but schools must be ready for children.
• Community-based early childhood organizations should be encouraged by our findings and approach schools with specific proposals for partnering.
• All early childhood partnerships must take into account the needs of working parents.

There are many other research reports available that are beneficial to children and families and can be found at the following link:

http://www.naeyc.org/resources/research

My Research Journey

     The topic I will be researching is how special education helps children with learning disabilities.  I chose this topic because my 16 year has reading disabilities and I have watched him struggle over the years.  While he is in school getting learning support from his IEP, he experiences some success and his grades have definitely improved.  I also see children at the center I work for, children as young as 18 months, receiving services through their IEP's.  I see the results and want to know what is working for each of these children.  Knowing that all children learn differently, I'm sure that each case involves different techniques and I am curious to know the methods and styles of the special education teachers as well as  the accommodations provided for these children.

     Through the research chart, I have learned the many different steps involved in a research study.  I also realized the importance of following the steps in order to have a valid study.  I feel the "designing the research" step is going to be the key element in the research process and I am a little nervous about deciding which methods to use.

     I look forward to reading other's posts and hope to learn from everyone about what worked for them, what didn't work, what they would do different next time, etc.  I feel that learning from my colleagues is vital to my success.

     Good Luck to All as we begin our research journey!

Consequences of learning about the international early childhood field:

            The first thing I realized was how different countries can be.  What works in one country may not work in another.  In Spain, they are thinking of sending children home from school for lunch to avoid the cost of providing lunch.  I can’t even imagine this working in the US.  Too many parents already complain about half day kindergarten and trying to find care for the rest of the day. 

            Another consequence was the realization of how behind the US is compared to other countries.  Bilingual classrooms seem to be common everywhere but the US.  There is also global competitiveness.  Dr. Grace explained that there is a “push down” expectation to try and catch up to the rest of the world (Laureate Education, Inc. 2010).

            My final consequence is that I have found numerous blogs and websites to further educate me on international matters.  These resources will come in handy in both my personal and professional development.  Which brings me to my goal on international awareness:

            I would like to continue learning from other countries and form a collaboration to enhance all early childhood programs.

           

 

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (2010).  Economists, scientist, and politicians supporting the EC field. 

            Conversation with Dr. Cathy Grace. 

UPDATE:

I just received this response from my international contact on the question - - Are there any
incentives to further your education?

Response:
Teachers receive points to further their education. They can attend courses or whatever is officially accepted by the 'ministerio de educación y cultura' to get those points that will be translated into years of teaching. They are important because depending on those years a teacher can move from school to school, until the one that she/he specifically asks.

Thought it was very interesting!

Getting to know your international contacts - - part 3

Well, I am a little disappointed that my international contact did not respond to my questions this week.  I waited until today (Saturday) hoping to get a response but have now opted to do the alternative assignment.

In looking at the UNESCO website, I easily found articles and events related to my professional goals.  The first article I read was under the EDUCATION tab on a news link.  It was written by Irina Bokova, the Director - General of UNESCO.  The title caught my attention - - The First International Day of the Girl Child.  It is about raising awareness for the discrimination and inequities that girls all over the world face.  Girls endure more poverty, violence, early marriage, and lack of opportunities than do boys.  This is still an injustice in the US as well.  Women make less than their male counterparts for the same job.  This inequity and injustice violates basic rights.  Empowerment through education can break this cycle. Educating others will change the lives of these children for the better, which is one of my professional goals.

Next, under the UNESCO tab, I looked at the Calendar of Events and noticed a workshop on Data Management.  It is a three day workshop in Nepal to strengthen providers capacities in data collection and analysis.  It will help in program planning and monitoring and evaluation.  This sounds like a great opportunity to improve program performance which any administrator would welcome.

Finally, under the CULTURE tab, I found an article on UNESCO & CERDOTOLA joining together to promote African Cultures.  This agreement was just signed on April 12th.  It's purpose is to establish stronger cooperation between the two organizations to use their expertise in the field of culture and human and social sciences.  Their goal is to safeguard and enhance the world history, languages, and cultural heritage of Africa.  Collaborative efforts such as this are a great way to become a strong effective leader, another of my professional goals. 

                                               


UNESCO  http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/