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