My understanding of research prior to this course, Building Research Competency, was limited. I realize now that the research process is much more complex than I had imagined. One of the elements of research that stuck out to me the most is being flexible and able to adapt to various scenarios while conducting research. Ethical considerations, design methods, and even simply figuring out the research topic and specific question are all key elements of conducting research that can be complex and require extensive knowledge and understanding.
My ideas about the nature of research have changed because I now understand the time and resources it takes to conduct valid and reliable research. The knowledge and comprehension that it takes to conduct research in the early childhood field requires intense preparation and reviews of previous literature on the studies that have been conducted.
Throughout the research simulation in this course we learned about planning, designing, and conducting research. All these elements are complex and require devotion of time and a willingness to learn. I think one of the most important parts when beginning research is to ensure that your topic is something that is interesting to the researcher and interesting to other professionals in the field. Because research takes so much time, resources, and effort it is essential that the results are valid and reliable which requires planning, designing, and conducting research ethically and professionally.
Early childhood research is so essential to the field and figuring out the best practices and programs. Behavior, whether negative or positive, and their relations to family structure, teaching styles, and social interactions are just a few examples of why research in the early childhood field is important and can help to further the success of future generations. It is complex because it involves young children who are not legally able to give consent and require more qualitative methods in order to analyze responses and find results that are beneficial to the early childhood field.
Thursday, August 21, 2014
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Research Around the World
This week I chose to explore the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). I found that some of the current international research topics are creating an international network of early childhood professionals to contribute to the field and support early childhood development. What I came to realize is that before these networks were implemented, early childhood development was of very small importance to many African countries. Due to network activities, there are now 20 or more African countries that have implemented a national early childhood development policy. They have increased awareness through using technology to share ideas, methods, and build positive relationships among early childhood professionals and groups.
The Virtual University program has brought technology to the forefront as the basis for communication and allowed many opportunities for collaboration within early childhood development that would probably not be available today otherwise. It has increased social development and made many African countries aware of the importance of early childhood education and how it can benefit the future of their countries and communities.
Websites like these bring about awareness of the similar struggles that are relevant in every country and can be found in most communities. By working together on a global level we only expand our reach to all children and promote positive programs and networks within the early childhood field.
The Virtual University program has brought technology to the forefront as the basis for communication and allowed many opportunities for collaboration within early childhood development that would probably not be available today otherwise. It has increased social development and made many African countries aware of the importance of early childhood education and how it can benefit the future of their countries and communities.
Websites like these bring about awareness of the similar struggles that are relevant in every country and can be found in most communities. By working together on a global level we only expand our reach to all children and promote positive programs and networks within the early childhood field.
Sunday, July 20, 2014
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 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.
Saturday, July 12, 2014
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.
Sunday, June 29, 2014
International Education on Early Childhood
I have learned numerous ideas about early childhood education through international resources. Here are just a few....
1 - There are many similarities in the challenges faced in the US with regard to the EC Field, and the challenges faced abroad.
2 - Connecting with international EC professionals is not always easy. Persistence is key! However, once those connections have been made, a conversation can begin that stimulates our ideas and thoughts on EC education.
3 - Personally, my desire to assist with the early childhood field abroad has been stimulated and I hope to one day be able to travel and connect with children in foreign countries.
One goal I will set for myself will be making the time to do more international studying of effective practices and programs. While simultaneously expanding my knowledge of the various cultures within my community.
1 - There are many similarities in the challenges faced in the US with regard to the EC Field, and the challenges faced abroad.
2 - Connecting with international EC professionals is not always easy. Persistence is key! However, once those connections have been made, a conversation can begin that stimulates our ideas and thoughts on EC education.
3 - Personally, my desire to assist with the early childhood field abroad has been stimulated and I hope to one day be able to travel and connect with children in foreign countries.
One goal I will set for myself will be making the time to do more international studying of effective practices and programs. While simultaneously expanding my knowledge of the various cultures within my community.
Sunday, June 22, 2014
UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education Webpage
This week I chose to look through UNESCO's Early Childhood Care and Education Webpage via:
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/
A couple of very interesting news pieces and informational pieces were discovered! It is truly remarkable what we kind find with the click of a mouse. There is almost an overload of information given to us through the internet so it is especially helpful to visit the websites of organizations we know and trust.
First thing I began to read was an article on the global education initiative. The ultimate goal of the group that met is to "ensure equitable and inclusive quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030". There were seven proposed "targets" discussed that will help to achieve the overall goal. This kind of initiative serves as motivation and inspiration for all early childhood educators. Through global perspectives we realize that the issues are bigger than we are and will involve complex, strong, and individual thinkers and doers to find solutions.
Under the "Access and Equity" (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access-and-equity/) section many issues on the global scale are ultimately the same on the local level. The website discusses the distribution of resources with respect to the need. This is just as much an issue in most of our own communities as it is on a larger scale. Universal access to resources, whether learning or otherwise, should be a priority and UNESCO shows that it is indeed a priority.
One of my favorite readings was regarding "Quality" (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality/). The quality of early childhood education should be evaluated based upon the overall education a child receives. What I mean by that is the fact that children are not just in early childhood care to learn vocabulary, shapes, etc., but to learn social skills, receive encouragement and motivation, and enhance school readiness.
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/
A couple of very interesting news pieces and informational pieces were discovered! It is truly remarkable what we kind find with the click of a mouse. There is almost an overload of information given to us through the internet so it is especially helpful to visit the websites of organizations we know and trust.
First thing I began to read was an article on the global education initiative. The ultimate goal of the group that met is to "ensure equitable and inclusive quality education and lifelong learning for all by 2030". There were seven proposed "targets" discussed that will help to achieve the overall goal. This kind of initiative serves as motivation and inspiration for all early childhood educators. Through global perspectives we realize that the issues are bigger than we are and will involve complex, strong, and individual thinkers and doers to find solutions.
Under the "Access and Equity" (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/access-and-equity/) section many issues on the global scale are ultimately the same on the local level. The website discusses the distribution of resources with respect to the need. This is just as much an issue in most of our own communities as it is on a larger scale. Universal access to resources, whether learning or otherwise, should be a priority and UNESCO shows that it is indeed a priority.
One of my favorite readings was regarding "Quality" (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/quality/). The quality of early childhood education should be evaluated based upon the overall education a child receives. What I mean by that is the fact that children are not just in early childhood care to learn vocabulary, shapes, etc., but to learn social skills, receive encouragement and motivation, and enhance school readiness.
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Global Children's Initiative
This week I chose to review and research the Global Children's Initiative website:
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/
The initiative should indeed be a global one, which involves high-power people all over the world recognizing the importance of early childhood programs and development. Not only does this help the well-being of all people in different countries, but it is economically profitable to educate and ensure healthy development for all children. This leads back to the importance of varied programs and practices depending on cultural diversity, economics, and environmental surroundings.
Much of the focus of the website was on children in critical conditions. This is something that tore at my heartstrings. It is so painful to hear of children suffering, and people in general suffering. This is just one more reason to tackle the problem at an early age, rather than later when conditions and situations are so dire that they can not be reversed. Health issues are at the heart of many economic problems. This leads to high child mortality rates and is devastating to many communities future productivity.
One of the most interesting parts of the website was an article about implementation in Brazil. http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/applying_the_science_of_early_childhood_in_brazi/ Seeing the effects that the research in the United States has on other parts of the world is not only interesting, but motivating. We can take our own experiences and help another community in places that are geographically so diverse. One of the most essential parts of integration of the Global Children's Initiative was training early childhood professionals to be leaders and coordinate this movement. It requires multiple people working together to create and facilitate an initiative to help all children of Brazil.
I have signed up for the newsletter and look forward to reading more about expansion and learning more about this particular initiative.
http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/
The initiative should indeed be a global one, which involves high-power people all over the world recognizing the importance of early childhood programs and development. Not only does this help the well-being of all people in different countries, but it is economically profitable to educate and ensure healthy development for all children. This leads back to the importance of varied programs and practices depending on cultural diversity, economics, and environmental surroundings.
Much of the focus of the website was on children in critical conditions. This is something that tore at my heartstrings. It is so painful to hear of children suffering, and people in general suffering. This is just one more reason to tackle the problem at an early age, rather than later when conditions and situations are so dire that they can not be reversed. Health issues are at the heart of many economic problems. This leads to high child mortality rates and is devastating to many communities future productivity.
One of the most interesting parts of the website was an article about implementation in Brazil. http://developingchild.harvard.edu/index.php/activities/global_initiative/applying_the_science_of_early_childhood_in_brazi/ Seeing the effects that the research in the United States has on other parts of the world is not only interesting, but motivating. We can take our own experiences and help another community in places that are geographically so diverse. One of the most essential parts of integration of the Global Children's Initiative was training early childhood professionals to be leaders and coordinate this movement. It requires multiple people working together to create and facilitate an initiative to help all children of Brazil.
I have signed up for the newsletter and look forward to reading more about expansion and learning more about this particular initiative.
Harvard University. (2014). Center on the developing child. Global children's initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/activities/global_initiative/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)