Research Benefiting Children

    This week's assignment I chose option 2 which is to imagine that I had the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies on any topic with no limitation from the present.  Also, my research topic will benefit children and their families immensely.  I chose this option because I find enjoyment in pushing the boundaries and dreaming about the inconceivable.  It is the out of this world ideas that create inspiration for researchers today and give them the motivation to achieve the unimaginable.  Starting with an idea can be the first step in reaching goals that we may have once seen as unattainable.

     The topic that I would choose to research would be studying the global world and how international connections achieve considerate and accepting feelings in the early childhood environment.  Many children are faced with cultural diverse scenarios in their education that they may not have encountered in their neighborhoods.  Creating equality and cultural acceptance early in education would create a society that is more aware and accepting, ideally with less violence and discrimination.  This study would require resources enabling young children access to other parts of the world, ideally in face to face contact.  With the many regions of the world experiencing cultural unrest it would interesting to see if those communities could create a bond with other children and thus increase knowledge and understanding of acceptance.

    It is exciting and interesting to dream up ideas and thoughts that may seem impossible and irrational at the current time.  As we progress, I would hope that international communication become somewhat of a normal scenario throughout the classrooms in the United States.  This would create relationships between cultures and increase the knowledge and understanding of diverse groups of people.

The Beginning to My Personal Research Journey

      This course on Building Research Competencies requires us to choose a research question for simulated research.  I have been having a difficult time narrowing down my topic to a specific question that is appropriate for the remainder of the course.  As I filled out my chart this week, one of the insights I gained from the readings was that this can be a difficult part of the process for anyone participating in research.  Especially in the field of Early Childhood Education where there are many facets and various contributing fields of study like psychology, communication, social and emotional balance, etc.

      I think I will struggle with many aspects of the simulation and believe that this course in particular is one where I will look to my colleagues and instructors for guidance and knowledge.  It is important to be able to ask for assistance and to help one another as we begin the journey through simulated research.