When I think of Research....

Blog Assignment: When I Think of Research...

From this course I have gain the knowledge and confidence to conduct a research the correct way from the beginning to end.   When I first began this course I looked at the word “research” and was very afraid and nervous that I would have to conduct this long drawn out  process without any assistance, just on my own, but once I started reading the resources, participating in group discussions, gaining positive/critical feedback from the professor, Dr. Bird-Lisset, and fellow classmates along with independent practices I think I am now ready to tackle my very own study. I have learned many insightful lessons such as when planning make sure that you research and find all resources related to your topic before you began, and during designing the study, be certain to us all of the sections listen in the text (2010, p.13-32) as a guideline so you will not miss anything.  When conducting the research you need to keep a positive attitude, even when the unexpected occurs.  Keeping a quick and open mind to modify things that are not planned to meet the needs of the interviewee, is another thing I found to be of importance while designing the research.  Some to issues I encountered were that parents/guardians show their interested in the research but did not return consent forms, participants did not complete all of their research session, and dealing with participants that had language barriers.  I also tried to provide reminders by hanging posters around the facility reminding parents to complete consent forms; and set up a table during arrival and departure times, everyday for one week to inform those parents who were interested.   I tried to reschedule all session during times that would be great for parents, children, and educators that would best meet their needs, but again all did not complete all sessions.  I tried to find a translator in the community that would help participants feel more comfortable and in which they could relate to for non-English speaking participants.  Early childhood educators/advocators/professionals play a major role in the lives of younger children.  Without them there would not be modifications to bettering the curriculums, and well-being of younger children to best meet their individual needs.  I would like to thank God, my two children, my family, my professor, Dr. Bird-Lisset, and my fellow colleagues for providing me with the words of encouragement, new knowledge, thoughts, ideas as well as positive/ critical feedback that allowed me to become a more confident person throughout this course.  I wish you all the best throughout your future endeavors.  Good Luck to you all! Have faith and trust in yourself to be and do the best for our little ones who are our future!

References:

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A, & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010).Doing early childhood research:

            International perspectives on theory and practices. 2^nd ed. New York, NY

Research Around the World

 Research Around the World

This website provided many researches and reports explaining early childhood development in the past, present, and future from ages 3-5.  The country I chose focus on is Kenya.  I began by explaining the country and its geography, and historical report.  The 1999 census reported that the population was 28,686,605 but the family sized as decreased due to the modification of polygamous to monogamous marriages, and the high and increasing number of adults dying due to AIDS/HIV virus.  It also focused on the child expectancy rate as well as well-being considering off prenatal care and immunizations.  The government has created a plan to assist with adequate nutrition, and quality and affordable basic health services. The country of Kenya defines any human being under the age of 18.  The social status depends on the socio-economic and the gender of a child.    There has been a drastic drop of students dropping out of school due to social issues.  In the pre-primary years (ages 3-5 years) there are more boys attending learning institutes than girls.  The ECE is supported by the World Bank and is geared from children ages 0-8.  With the assistance of the World Bank and the government, they have been able to create various types of childcare for the countries young children and their parents such as: Institutionalized academic oriented care normally referred to by several names such as nurseries, kindergartens, pre-unit, pre-school and day care; home based care by child minders (Ayahs); ECD services (integrated, either institutional or non institutionalized) and community organized home care. This also provided a chance for more girls as well as trained educators to teach and assist children with everyday care giving skills.  I was also capable of learning that similar to the United States, Kenya too is trying to improve the early education arena with the support of local firms and private entrepreneurs.  Included with these topics are healthy child, health, nurture, nutrition, schooling/EDC, Stimulation, and protection to aid with the improvement of   all children/families in the country of Kenya. 

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

 Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Option 1-

While working in the current childcare facility as a 3 year old early childcare educator, the students and parents in my class were asked to participate in a study lead by the Psychology the Early Childhood Development Studies Departments of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.  These professors and students were interested in the ways young children were affected by the influences of adults both in and out of the home and in places they were not familiar with.  Researcher found that children used their parents’ reactions when trying something new.  For example if a parent looked worried or nervous then the child would hesitate and not want to participate in the activity or the game for the day, but if the parent was happy and encouraged the child to do their best, then it made it a little easier for the child wanting to participate in the activity.  Many of times the child would look at the adult’ facial expressions when making an important decision, to determine their own choice during an experiment, or game lead by the researcher.    Parents benefited from the research by learning how to react to all situations in a calmly manner.  They were also taught how to act and stay calm in most situations, as well as how not to impose or jump into and comment on a child’s reaction until they ask for assistance.  These studies provided parents an opportunity to teach their children how to become independent and to begin with making choices/decisions on their own. 

Your Personal Research Journey

The purpose of my research is to learn/become more knowledgeable of the role teachers, and parents/guardians play with assisting their child (ren) with developing and improving cognitive skills.   I chose this topic because I have a great interest in younger children and how they learn and adapt cognitively in various settings.  I have been working in the early childcare arena for 10 years.  I have seen and experienced many children progress and improve their cognitive development, but has always been curious about what influences them both positive and negative.   Two weeks ago one of my colleagues and I were communicating and discussing how do children learn.  She made the comment that young children learn at home only if the parent(s)/guardian(s) allot time for involvement and engagement.  I agree to a certain extent but I also thought that children learn from their surroundings (older siblings, cousins, family members, neighbors etc.)  So I am a little confused on how to word the purpose.  I am always open for insight and suggestions on how to improve my research as well as assistance with this course.  

This week’s research chart has provided me with an explanation of how to design, conduct and complete a research from beginning to end.  Even though it seems very time consuming I think I would benefit from it in the long run, and hopeful add on to the early childhood education resources for those to utilize.  I too am fairly new with researching, but I am willing to assist anyone that I can. Please don’t hesitate to ask, if I don’t know I will try and find the answer for you.  Good Luck to you all during the process!   Remember to maintain a positive attitude no matter what, and to expect the unexpected!   I believe you all will have great researches! 

Your Personal Research Journey

The purpose of my research is to learn/become more knowledgeable of the role teachers, and parents/guardians play with assisting their child (ren) with developing and improving cognitive skills.   I chose this topic because I have a great interest in younger children and how they learn and adapt cognitively in various settings.  I have been working in the early childcare arena for 10 years.  I have seen and experienced many children progress and improve their cognitive development, but has always been curious about what influences them both positive and negative.   Two weeks ago one of my colleagues and I were communicating and discussing how do children learn.  She made the comment that young children learn at home only if the parent(s)/guardian(s) allot time for involvement and engagement.  I agree to a certain extent but I also thought that children learn from their surroundings (older siblings, cousins, family members, neighbors etc.)  So I am a little confused on how to word the purpose.  I am always open for insight and suggestions on how to improve my research as well as assistance with this course.  

This week’s research chart has provided me with an explanation of how to design, conduct and complete a research from beginning to end.  Even though it seems very time consuming I think I would benefit from it in the long run, and hopeful add on to the early childhood education resources for those to utilize.  I too am fairly new with researching, but I am willing to assist anyone that I can. Please don’t hesitate to ask, if I don’t know I will try and find the answer for you.  Good Luck to you all during the process!   Remember to maintain a positive attitude no matter what, and to expect the unexpected!   I believe you all will have great researches! 

Final Blog Assignment

Final Blog Assignment

This course, my fellow colleagues, researching international/and other early childcare websites has provided me with a great deal of knowledge and information that I would take into consideration and use when discussing early childcare education with my fellow colleagues and co-workers.  I have learned that in many countries they have similar views as the US regarding the Early Childcare arena.  They too think that their government or others should focus more and provide more funding to researching and assisting younger children beginning at birth.  There are also some countries where community organizations are providing parents/guardians with helpful insight and information with how to better their lives and the lives of their children.  Even though I did not get a chance to communicate with any international early childcare professional, I still think I have gain a lot of knowledge from reading some of my peers’ blog sites.  I plan to continue to research and stay inform with international websites, in order to gain assistance and provide assistance to see if I can aid younger children/families in any way possible.  International awareness is very important and I think more people need to get and stay involved, as well as assist with early childhood/diversity and see how it relates to their own community and the surrounding communities.  

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Eventually, I still have not heard nor received a news letter from the National Black Child Development Institute, so I completed the alternative assignment.  While reviewing the “Early Childhood Care and Education” webpage I thought the article, “What are the three most important skills a child should learn?” to be interesting.  I became knowledgeable of one of the greatest challenges for education systems today is keeping pace with a changing world of work and equipping youth with the skills they will need in an increasingly knowledge-based economy.  Many researchers’ thinks that children need to be/have creative mind set, inventive thinking, critically and how the world relates around them, culture, values, respect, and life skills. Out of all of these aspects different scholars view various ones to be of importance to them.   I thought it was appealing to see that different people  living in various parts of the world have unusual qualities in which they think children should learn.

               The next article “Quality” informs the audience of the importance of a high quality early childhood program.  It states that it promotes motivation, self-confidence, good cognitive and linguistic skills and school readiness for children from disadvantage backgrounds.  It also provides learning activities that are developmentally, and culturally age appropriate, and child –center interaction.  With the assistance of parents, the community and stakeholders they can continue to advocate and work to keep early childhood of the main focus for school readiness, and preparing children for kindergarten. 

               The last article, “Access and Equity” shows how other countries also need to focus heavily on early childcare education  especially for disadvantage children/families and how important it is to begin with studying children at birth and working their way up. “Central governments must ensure an equitable distribution of resources among different populations and especially those who live in the most disadvantaged regions. “  I agree with the article and think it is sad that poor/disadvantage children always are lacking in early childhood skills due to the government and policymakers.  Hopefully this will change so that all children get a chance to a great early childcare learn experience and an excellent preparation for kindergarten. 

(http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/