When I Think of Research...

In concluding each class, I look back over the previous weeks. Each week was packed with vital information pertaining to research. I have gained plenty of insights such as how to ensure research is actually valid. As well, as a whole new perspective when I even think about research. I realize the thought process is a horrendous part prior to and during research. Even once the topic is identified there is plenty of rough drafts, tweaking and sometimes even changes that must be made for the research project to continue and be successful. My ideas and nature of doing research has changed. I wouldn’t necessarily say I was a blank slate in the thought process but knew very little about the process. I realize now how much goes into research. It takes time to even think of a topic that can be researched, plus where, when, how, what methods will be used and who will the participants be and more. Prior to this class I never thought about the information so profoundly. I have learned that if you don’t go through and have a plan about what or how your research will be done it will make the task very difficult. Plus if the information is not planned out properly it will be confusing for the participants or anyone else reading the information. Planning and testing are top priorities for research. I had plenty of challenges throughout this course. The topic of research went well beyond what I am use to doing. Of course, I am use to standard research but this was very different. Conducting my own research assignment is something I have never had to do. I felt every subject was completely new to me and out of my realm. However, I feel my major issue was not thinking through it thoroughly enough as a researcher. I had to put on my researcher’s hat which was difficult at times for me to keep on. As well I had to ask myself plenty of “what if” questions. I feel this class goes well beyond the eight weeks and has to be something I continue to work on and may one day use again to the entirety. My perception has changed because I have a new level of respect for researchers. I now understand how much goes into the research that we read. Before I looked upon research as just an article to obtain information but never understood how much goes into the article to get the material. As well, I see what important role researchers have in the field of early childhood and in our world today.

Research Around the World

I decided to research Early Childhood Australia. There are many current international research topics such as the following:

·        Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice

·        Learning and teaching through play

·        The Early Years Learning Framework: Building confident learners

·        Learnings from High/Scope: Enriching everyday practice

·        Discovering letters and sounds

·        Diversity and difference: Lighting and spirit of identity

Some new insight I gained was from the “About Everyday Learning” section. This quote caught my attention “making the ordinary, extraordinary”. Sometimes repetition can become stale and become so ordinary that a child does not learn anything new. However making the most out of a day and trying new ways to spice up the day to make it different can make a huge difference in a child’s education. Also, in this link there is a guide to assist parents, grandparents and care givers.

Some noteworthy information I found on the website was under the link Resource themes. There are five themes.

1.   Being, Belonging and Becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework

2.   School readiness and children’s transition

3.   Sustainability, global warming and climate change

4.   Baby and toddler sleeping

5.   Child health and childhood obesity

Over these five themes the site allows you to print the information. The resources are there to assist practitioners and give practical support to services and early childhood education. There are entire sections that can be used for guidance and support.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/