When I think of research...

                After taking this course, I feel that I have gained an immense amount of insight about the incredible effort it takes to create an effective, valid, and unbiased research study.  There are many steps involved, and various routes a researcher can take during the development process alone. 

I have learned that there are many aspects of a research study that need to be taken into consideration before it begins, during the process, and during the analysis of data collected.  There are ethical considerations, equity issues, researcher biases, and many other factors that could affect the validity of our research and the repercussions it could possibly have on our participants.  I have grown to appreciate research on a new level and the dedication that it certainly takes to be able to conduct equitable research effectively. 

“Research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge.  The best research will always involve close, ongoing collaboration between those who plan the research, those who carry it out, those who participate in it, and those for whom the results have an impact.”  (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010)  I have learned that designing research is a tedious process, if it is done correctly.  A researcher needs to be a thoughtful and patient individual who is dedicated to the improvement of the early childhood field.  I have also learned a great deal about how to develop research questions and how to remain unbiased when dealing with participants involved in the study. 

My greatest challenge was developing my research question.  I modified my question every week of this course.  After reviewing new material in our course book, I would gain new insight and change my question to include new perspectives or to make it more equitable.  At first, I was very frustrated with the constant changing of my question, but began to find that the more I read about research development and changed my point of view, the more sense my research simulation began to make. 

I feel that I have grown as an educator by experiencing the effort that is applied to research studies.  I have a stronger understanding as to how research studies are designed and how the data is used to benefit families, children, teachers, and communities involved in the early childhood field.  Early childhood professionals are loving individuals with an appreciation for young children and a passion for helping to provide them with the best possible education both in the classroom and behind the scenes. 

References:

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspectives on Theory and Practice. New York: Open University Press .

Early Childhood Australia

The Early Childhood Australia website provided me with a great deal of insight into research that is developing in their country.  There is a link that directly connects you to an index of their “Research in Practice Series.”  Australian early childhood educators are researching many similar topics as are being researched in the United States; learning through play, diversity, building confident learners, engaging families, language, aggression, etc.  There was even research being done about how to practice sustainability in your classroom.  I found this particularly interesting, since I used to teach at a nature-based preschool.  Connecting our children to the environment should be a universal obligation and I was pleased to see that this awareness is spreading across the globe.  Childhood health and obesity was also a highlighted research topic that I was happy to see on the website.  I had previously thought this was an extremely “American” epidemic, but clearly it is all across the world. 

It was surprising to me that childhood obesity is covered in Australia media more than any other early childhood topic.  I had previously thought that American children were the only ones that were up to their ears in media, video games, phones, etc.; thus immobilizing them and encouraging the development of childhood obesity.  Most of the links pertaining to childhood obesity are dedicated to providing parents and childcare providers with information on how to keep their children active and eating healthy.  Most of the habits we develop in early childhood carry with us into adulthood.  Developing healthy eating and exercise habits will encourage Australian youth to continue these ethics into their later years.  It is my hope that American parents are becoming as aware of this epidemic, and actively seeking ways to keep their children healthy. 

Many of the links provided on this website sent me to abstracts and brief descriptions of books available on each topic.  It is necessary to be a member of Early Childhood Australia in order to receive all of the information.  The goals and objectives of this organization are extremely similar to those of NAEYC.  I am interested to hear how others interpreted this website, and possibly found better ways to navigate it.  Does anyone have a membership?  I would love to be able to view some of the articles and information.