When I Think of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
As a result of taking this course, I have acquired an abundance of knowledge about completing research. I have acquired knowledge about the different types of research such as qualitative and quantitative research. I have also learned about the importance of validity and realiability in research.


In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
Completing the course also made me realize the importance of completing research. Research is necessary to prove or disprove a hypothesis. Research can also help people to make decisions that will help to enhance the education profession.


What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I learned that data has to be collected over a period of time and that the data must be valid and reliable. It is also imperative to collect data from a variety of resources so that your hypothesis will be supported. It is also imperative to decide on the type of research that you will implement to complete the study.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
One of the challenges that I found to be the most difficult was choosing a research topic. I had to chose a topic that I could research using qualitative data. It was also challenging to learn all of the different terms and to distinguish between the different types of research.
 
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
As a result of this course, my insight on the importance of early childhood education and issues that are currently to the forefront in the fight to continue early childhood education.

Research Around the World

What are some of the current international research topics?

·         The international website that I chose to explore was Australia. At the present time there are two international research topics being conducted by ECA. One of the topics is in reference to Children of Asylum Seekers. The research references children as refugees. The ECA believes that all children are refugees that are to be protected by adults. Asylum seekers are people who have entered into Australia claiming refugee status under United Nations High Commission for Refugees and seeking the protection of Australian government. Other asylum seekers enter into Australia with valid documentation and visas.

·         Another research topic is A statement of regret and commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Families. The research references the loss of families, cultural identities, loss of land and water, languages and communities by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that resulted from an invasion of Australian peoples from other places. Unfortunately the suffering is ongoing.

What surprising facts and new ideas about early childhood did you gain?

·         It was interesting to learn that the Prime Minister has a goal set that by 2025 Australia will be among the top five in education systems.

·         It was also interesting to learn how Australians emphasize the importance of protecting children.

·         It was interesting to note that they also address the same emotional issues as most early childhood programs. Emotional issues such building trust and self-esteem, resilience, communicating, and developing the brain.

·         The ECA also places and emphasizes learning through play.

What other noteworthy information did you learn?

·         According to ECA the best practices for children include: emotional development, learn through play, feelings and behaviours, and children’s rights.