When I think of research...

My view of research has changed quite a bit during this course.  While I always knew that there were a lot of things to consider when doing research, I am now aware of how intricate of a process completing research is.  It is not as simple as coming up with a question and trying to find the answer.  The question has to be written clearly and in a way that allows the research to lead to an answer that can be understood clearly.  I also learned that there are different processes and methods that can be used to complete the research.  Many things like researchers bias, ethics, data collection and analysis, and issues with participants all need to be considered when completing the research.  Any mistake in any of these areas or in the research design could lead to invalid data, in turn, wasting the time and effort of the researcher.  As an early childhood educator, my view on research has been enhanced when considering the effects the research can have on children.  Not only can research provide children and professionals with information that can improve the development of children, but we also need to consider the impact that allowing children to participate in the research project could have on the child.  Children are often an essential piece of the research design when completing research to help children.  We need to make sure that their best interest is always in mind when completing the research.

A big thanks to all my colleagues for sharing their views and insights throughout this course.  I wish you the best with your upcoming classes.

Research Around the World

I chose to review the Early Childhood Australia website (http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/).  This site offered a vast amount of information regarding early childhoold.  One of the research topics mentioned on this website was Everyday learning about responding to the emotional needs of children, Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice, Learning and teaching through play, Children's resislience: Working with the early years learning framework. 

In the early childhood news it mentions a media release regarding "How does your state rate?"  This is a new report regarding the progress that each state is making towards the National reforms of the early childhood education and sector.  It mentions that changes have been made and their will continue to be changes in the future.  It also mentions that new standards have been placed and will continue to be implemented.  I find this information insightful as here in the United States early childhood is evolving and is in the process of setting higher standards as they are in Australia.  As early childhood is an ever changing field it is important that we continue to set new standards and ensure their implementation. 

I found the link "Socially and Emotional as a basis for curriculum" in the Every Child magazine to be noteworthy.  This link discusses why should social and emotional learning be the basis for curriculum and how do we teach social and emotional skills.  It mentions the importance of relationships to learning and making meaningful relationships with each child so they feel safe and valued.  The link http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/ was offered as a resource to provide additional information on this topic.