When I Think of Research

     During the most recent course taken at Walden University, insights that I have learned are as follows: steps taken during the research process when choosing a subject of interest, "selecting a topic, design the research, draw conclusions..." (MacNaughton, et al., 2010, p. 14), broadened vocabulary, and learning about early childhood research organizations around the world that provide a resource for families and educators of young children such as, Early Childhood Australia.
     My ideas about the nature of research have changed in a way that I no longer believe that by just reading a few articles alone and writing about a subject will result in a true research attempt. There is a process to researching that I had no idea needed to take place. Research requires planning and focus that will lead to an answer that may help with current or future developments/concerns in the field of early childhood.
     Lessons that I have learned bout planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood have been to know what interests I desire to learn answers regarding questions in the field of early childhood, ensuring to document the process from the beginning to the end of the research project, and to be objective during all interactions with participants.
     Challenges I entered were selecting and carefully wording my topic of interest and developing my own interpretation when answering questions for the "Growing Knowledge Chart". I met these challenges by using the instructors feedback each week notated on discussions and assignments that resulted in great improvement!
     My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course by the fact that caring for young children requires more then working in a classroom setting, but developing a mindset to continue and have a passion to learn about young children and their development, behaviors, and nature that changes with each generation. Early childhood professionals are continuous students in session, teachers for their peers, and resources for families and policy makers in the field.  
     Lastly, to my fellow early childhood professional colleagues, thank you for your continued support during our journey together! I am always delighted to see familiar names when I enroll in a new course. You keep me motivated and on course with the feedback and comments you provide during discussion and on my blog! Thank you!

References

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

MacNaughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research:

     International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill

 

 

 

Research Around the World

     In Australia there are great things happening in the field of early childhood education, after viewing a website provided for this week's blog assignment; some current international research topics found are regarding supporting literacy learning in the field of early childhood during the early years by exploring connections between speaking, writing, reading, and listening. Another topic is regarding inclusion and the manner in which teachers are approaching and creating learning environments for all children to be successful. The websites also provides other examples of what is discussed under this topic such as, inclusive family practices and how children relate to these strategies.
     Some insights gained from exploring this international early childhood website were those regarding building better behaviors and focusing on preventive programs for parents and teachers of young children aged 3-18 years with developmental delays or disabilities. Their approach is designed to work with teachers, parents, and health professionals to provide strategies for parents to develop positive behaviors in their children by teaching the child new skills and dealing with stressful situations. Secondly, there is a program provided through Kids Count which is a free program provided for families with a referral from a health professional that focuses on the mental health of young children. The program offers support services to families with children under the age of 5 years to include financial support, health/mental issues, and relationship conflicts. One example provided is of a facility named Alunga Children's Centre which supported a young child that had difficulty with separation anxiety during morning drop off by providing a psychologist to assist the child as well as the mother. I think this is awesome! Thirdly, I respect the fact that their Code of Ethics is a living document that provides required up-dates to maintain the needs of children now and in the future.
     Lastly, I found that there is an opportunity for professionals in the field that have a desire to share their knowledge and to give input regarding the early childhood field best practices by submitting writings and become featured in their various publications such as the: Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, ECA Voice newsletter, or The Spoke-Early Childhood Australia's Blog.

Reference

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