When I Think of Research...

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

I have gained the ability to decipher between good research designs and great research designs.  I acquired a large vocabulary in this course. My confidence with research has increased and I know, with practice and commitment, I will be an asset to early childhood research.

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

I don’t think my ideas have changed much, because I have always found research to be a difficult task and with this course, it validated my feeling concerning research.  You have to take so many things into consideration and ensure that all pieces are in place.  Research should not be taken lightly.

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

I learned that I have to take a tremendous amount of time and care in each of the steps above.  If one rushes the process the result will be a disorganized, invalid design.

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

My challenge was chapter 10.  I had to read it three times before I could understand what was going on.  I had to go line by line in order to gather the definitions and purpose for the authors’ descriptions. I read aloud to use multiple senses until it finally clicked!

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

I definitely have to subscribe to more EC resources.  I need to look at the research taking place and evaluate it to determine what will help me become a greater early childhood professional.  I have learned that I cannot do this job alone. I need the support of all fields of study to ensure excellence in my program.

Research Around the World

I chose the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).  As I toured the links for this organization, I was intrigued by the educational opportunity it affords. This website discussed early childhood from the prospective of children in Africa. 

Diversity is a topic that has been on the minds of many organizations and individuals.  This is very important in the early childhood field because children exist in any country, culture and part of the word. If diversity is not discussed and addressed in early childhood, professionals dedicated to this field will not fully service their children.  I say this because, we have to acknowledge others’ beliefs and practices as a part of their lives and learn how to incorporate, within reason, different facets of their lives in the classroom in order to foster positive self-concepts that will follow them through to adulthood.

Whenever I embark upon new information, I try to look at what I have gained and what has accentuated my present scope of knowledge. This was an interesting site, because, while they had many of the same ideas about early childhood as I have, it was refreshing to see it from a different cultural perspective.  The educational piece of the website was very intriguing because I am always looking for a new learning experience.  I was a little saddened that the video presentation was not available to view, because it took look at the organization from a students’ point of view.  And while I did not read them in their entirety, the collaborative papers written by past participants in the program were very informative and demonstrated their dedication to working together as a group for the good of children.

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

The topic of choice for my research would be the benefits of play throughout the life span of a child.  I would look at all the factors surrounding the presence of free and structured play from birth through the middle years.

I think that the positive contributions this study would make would be to give educators and policy-makers a bird’s eye view of the effectiveness of play as a medium for growth and development.  Just as in Bronfenbrenner's Theory, I too believe that all ecosystems in a child’s life have a direct impact on the development of a child.

Your Personal Research Journey

Greeting fellow colleagues,

  I have chosen to focus my attention on play/learn experiences in classrooms settings. It has been a passion of mine to re introduce teachers and schools to play/learn experiences since this massive desk/assessment era has begun. I think our children are losing out on what we experienced as children; the ability to learn self-regulation, cooperation, and to just plain, have fun. 

It has been an interesting journey thus far, researching play/learn, because there are many organizations now dedicating themselves to reviving play in school settings. It is great to know that others, in more established positions, have the same desires as me.

It has been helpful constructing the research chart because I can appreciate the work that goes into a complete and reputable research article/journal. While I am far from being a professional, I can understand now what it takes to be a researcher.

Having said this, is there anything that anyone can suggest to help my journey into research produce effective results?

Reflection Blog

Post at least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development (any format, any length)

1.      I stepped outside my comfort zone and emailed Judith Wagner.

2.       I engaged in very lively and fruitful conversation with someone I would have never met had I not taken this course.

3.      I join OMEP-USA as a result of finding out how much they do for global EC advocacy and education.

Post one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

My goal is to be a global EC advocate.  I want for children all over the world to benefit from the love and passion I have for children and families.  It is important for us to extend our hand to others in order to accomplish global relationships.