When I Think of Research...

            Wow! I must say that this class has really flown buy quickly, I have enjoyed every minute of the class.  I have learned a lot about research studies that I did not know previously. In fact I had no idea what all was entailed in compiling a research study.  The thought of doing research made me very nervous in the beginning of this class, however, with Dr. Todd’s help, the readings and the feedback of my classmates, I have truly learned a lot and I am no longer as nervous as I was about doing research. A second topic that was very interesting to me in regards to research was the fact that children should be provided with the opportunity to give assent before participating in a research study.  I was always under the belief that until a child was 18 the parents were able to make the decision for their children

This class has helped me to understand that a lot of planning goes into designing and conducting research.  Researchers have so many options and protocols to follow in order to properly carry out a research study. I have also gained a better understanding as to why a research study is conducted for a lengthy period of time and why they are always looking for so many participants to participate in a study.  Finding many participants will help ensure they have enough participants if some choose to drop out of the study, as they are free to drop out at any time.

When I think of the challenges that I encountered I would have to say it was understanding all the different types of designs and choosing the right design for my study.  Once, I chose the right design the study seemed to come together nicely, however, I must say once again that the feedback that I was given by Dr. Todd was very beneficial in helping me to have a better understanding of completing a research study.

As a professional in the early childhood field, this class has helped to see the amount of time and work that goes into conducting a research study. I also understand that research is needed in order to ensure that the field is staying up to date on the best practices for the children, however, I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of children by working with them on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I do not want to fill the shoes of a researcher but I wouldn’t mind participating in early childhood research studies in the future.

I would like to take a minute to thank Dr. Todd and all of my classmates for the valuable feedback that each of you have shared with me over the last eight weeks.  I hope to work with all of you again in the future and I wish all of you the best!

Randee

Research Around the World

The link I chose to explore was http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ which took me to the website of Early Childhood Australia.  I found this website to be very informative with an abundant amount of information on the early childhood field in Australia.   As I explored for different topics of research that are being conducted in Australia, I found it very interesting to learn that the topics that I came across were very similar to those that are being explored in the United States.  The first topic that I read about was culture awareness.  In Australia recognizing and including children’s culture is important just as it is in the United States. The author of the article explained that we must understand our own cultural background and then we can better understand and respect others cultural background which will build a sense of belonging for everyone and a community that will accept diversity (Hydon, 2013).  

The second topic I came across that I found interesting was that they strive to attain excellence by meeting National Quality Standards.  I personally believe that meeting quality standards can be stressful and overwhelming at times, however, it helps to ensure that children are being provided with a quality early childhood program. One preschool in Australia, Swallowcliffe Preschool, participated in an initial pilot group which provided them with the opportunity to look at the National Quality Standards before other programs, therefore, they were able to have more time to prepare for being rated (Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority, 2013). It was interesting to learn that programs on an international level are also participating in programs that help to ensure that they are meeting quality standards.  I enjoyed this article as I could relate to being a part of a pilot group as I was in a pilot group for family homes being a part of a quality rating program.  

The third topic that I read about was collaborative partnership with families.  I was excited when I found this topic as it relates closely to my research simulation topic.  In this article the author explained several things that can be done to help form strong partnerships with families.  Some of the things that she pointed out are that it  is important that parents understand that we want to know what they want for their child, that we should ensure that many opportunities are available for families to be involved and that the environment is welcoming and recognizes each families culture.  When strong partnerships are formed it lets parents and children know that they are a part of the community (Stonehouse, 2012).

By exploring early childhood Australia website I have learned that international early childhood topics are similar to the early childhood topics that are addressed here in the United Stated. I also have found this website to be very resourceful and I will be adding it to my early childhood resource links.   

References:

Early Childhood Australia. (n.d.). Attaining excellence under the national quality standard (NQS). Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/NQSPLP-Article-Case-study-1-Attaining-Excellence.pdf

Hydon, C.  (2013). Becoming culturally competent—Ideas that support practice. Retrieved from

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/NQS_PLP_E-Newsletter_No65.pdf

Stonehouse, A. (2012). Collaborative partnerships with families. Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/nqsplp/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/NQS_PLP_E-newsletter_No35.pdf