First I would like to thank Dr. Davis and my colleagues for your comments and thoughts. I appreciate all the conversations and discussions we had about research. This course has been the most challenging for me. Thank you all for your support.
I have gained many new insights about research from this course. I now have a clear understanding how research is used a tool. I am now able to explain how the research process works and the importance of ethic when doing research.
My ideas about doing research have changed since the beginning of this course. I no longer am overwhelmed with the thought of research. It is much more time consuming than I thought before.
Planning, designed, and conducting research is extremely important. Research that is well-designed is systematic and consistent. Well-designed research will certainly provide rich and meaningful data, which ensure that the researcher will achieve their goal(s).
Some of my challenges in this course were understanding all of the key terms and not mixing up quantitative and qualitative research. I was able to over come these challenges by discussing with colleagues and reading Dr. Davis' comments on my assignments.
My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course. Early childhood professionals have a huge responsibility to ensure that the research they conduct is well-designed, valid, ethical, and reliable.
Best wishes to all, as you continue on journey at Walden University!
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Research Around the World
The website that I chose to research was Early Childhood Australia (2012). Some of the current international research topics I reviewed were funding for young children who are need the most, budgeting, how quality care is much more significant compared to cost of care, behavior management during the pre-school and kindergarten transition, and frameworks for healthy development including eating and physical development.
While exploring this international website I was most surprised with the insights I gained involving the Early Years Workforce Strategy. The Early Years Workforce Strategy provides information about how the Australian governments will support early childhood development and the care workforce to ensure the skills needed to support integrated ways to work with diverse children.
Other information that I felt was noteworthy to share was the statement of regret and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. This statement from Early Childhood Australia explains that is understood that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the original inhabitants of Australia. ECA is regretful for the suffering the original inhabitants have endured and suffered due to the invasion of other people from different areas. ECA recognizes and demonstrates commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by involving them in activities and raising awareness for all Australians to understand their history and current lifestyles.
Resources
Early Childhood Australia. Retrieved on October 7, 2012, from: http://www.earlychildhodaustralia.org/au
While exploring this international website I was most surprised with the insights I gained involving the Early Years Workforce Strategy. The Early Years Workforce Strategy provides information about how the Australian governments will support early childhood development and the care workforce to ensure the skills needed to support integrated ways to work with diverse children.
Other information that I felt was noteworthy to share was the statement of regret and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families. This statement from Early Childhood Australia explains that is understood that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are the original inhabitants of Australia. ECA is regretful for the suffering the original inhabitants have endured and suffered due to the invasion of other people from different areas. ECA recognizes and demonstrates commitment to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by involving them in activities and raising awareness for all Australians to understand their history and current lifestyles.
Resources
Early Childhood Australia. Retrieved on October 7, 2012, from: http://www.earlychildhodaustralia.org/au
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Research that Benefits Children and Families- Uplifting Stories
Moor, Jekielek, and Emig (2002) state that family structure and a child's well-being is connected. "Research findings linking family structure and parents' marital status with children's well-being are very consistent" (Moor, Jekielek, & Emig, 2002). Research points out that there are more benefits for children with parents that are married.
The Becoming a Family Project is an example of research can benefit children and families. The Becoming a Family Project was designed as an intervention to promote martial stability and child well-being. Couples who participated in the intervention were less likely to have a decline in their marital satisfaction during the first two years compared to the couples who did not participate in the intervention. Also, the couples who were involved in the intervention did not get separated or divorces.
Moor, K. A., Jekielek, S. M., & Emig, C. (2002). Marriage from a child's perspective: How does family structure affect children, and what can we do about it? Child Trends Research Brief. Retrieved on September 23, 2012, from: http://www.childtrends.org/Files/MarriageRB602.pdf
The Becoming a Family Project is an example of research can benefit children and families. The Becoming a Family Project was designed as an intervention to promote martial stability and child well-being. Couples who participated in the intervention were less likely to have a decline in their marital satisfaction during the first two years compared to the couples who did not participate in the intervention. Also, the couples who were involved in the intervention did not get separated or divorces.
Moor, K. A., Jekielek, S. M., & Emig, C. (2002). Marriage from a child's perspective: How does family structure affect children, and what can we do about it? Child Trends Research Brief. Retrieved on September 23, 2012, from: http://www.childtrends.org/Files/MarriageRB602.pdf
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Personal Research Journey
I decided to research poverty and its effects on child development. During EDUC 6162: Issues and Trends in Early Childhood, I came across information that stated that the city which I work in has the highest poverty level within Harford County. Ever since I came across this information, I have been interested in finding out more about the effects of poverty on child development. I am curious to find strategies and resources to help children who are in poverty.
This research process is a new adventure to me. I have researched many topics and questions, but not to this extent. The research chart has really help me understand the importance of terms I did not know previously. I, also feel that writing the abbreviated literature reviews has provided me with experience that will help me later in my research journey.
This research process is a new adventure to me. I have researched many topics and questions, but not to this extent. The research chart has really help me understand the importance of terms I did not know previously. I, also feel that writing the abbreviated literature reviews has provided me with experience that will help me later in my research journey.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
Saturday, August 11, 2012
UNESCO: Early Childhood Care and Education
The purpose of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization supports health, nutrition, security, and learning programs in a holistic manner for young children.
Countries which participate with UNESCO believe learning begins at birth. Countries are devoted to improving and expanding care and education for young children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
UNESCO stresses the importance that early childhood programs should focus on the holistic development especially for young children who are disadvantaged.
Countries which participate with UNESCO believe learning begins at birth. Countries are devoted to improving and expanding care and education for young children who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.
UNESCO stresses the importance that early childhood programs should focus on the holistic development especially for young children who are disadvantaged.
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Sharing Resources
Global Fund for Children Resources has a list of award-winning books which teaches values and diversity to young children. There are 23 books listed in alphabetical order with a description. I have read some of the listed books to my students, as well as, my own children. I am really excited to incorporate some of these wonderful selections into the curriculum.
The Global Fund for Children Resources contains information which adds to my understanding the importance of teaching equity and excellence in early care and education. The books listed on the resource page has many books that teach young children the importance of equity.
I did not realize that the Global Fund for Children has so many outside links to other resources. The National Association of Independent Schools is website which promotes equity, diversity, multiculturalism, and justice.
http://www.nais.org/equity/index.cfm?Itemnumber=145868
https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/store/global-fund-for-children-resources/
The Global Fund for Children Resources contains information which adds to my understanding the importance of teaching equity and excellence in early care and education. The books listed on the resource page has many books that teach young children the importance of equity.
I did not realize that the Global Fund for Children has so many outside links to other resources. The National Association of Independent Schools is website which promotes equity, diversity, multiculturalism, and justice.
http://www.nais.org/equity/index.cfm?Itemnumber=145868
https://www.globalfundforchildren.org/store/global-fund-for-children-resources/
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