Closure to Building Research Competency

I have learned a large amount of information from this course in regard to research. I have learned that in order to conduct a research study, the researcher has to prepare in depth. I never realized the amount of time and effort that a research study takes before this class.

My ideas have changed about research because I now realize how much work that a study takes to prepare and complete. I also realize how important it is to follow the procedures in a study in order to correctly gather information.  The lesson that I learned about planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood that I learned is that it takes a lot of dedication and preparing in order to plan, design, and conduct the correct way.

Some of the challenges I encountered was thinking of the way to word the research question itself. I felt my topic was very broad so it was important to narrow down the topic. I met my challenge throughout learning how to research throughout the readings and feedback from my fellow colleagues.

Early Childhood Australia

“Early Childhood Australia will advocate ensuring quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.” (Early Childhood Australia, 2012)

Some of the current Australian research topics addressed are the early childhood framework, school readiness, children’s transition to schools/grades, children’s health, children’s obesity, baby and toddler sleeping, sustainability, global warming, and climate change. There was a vast majority of research topics which touched base on many of the topics we focus on in the United States related to early childhood education.

I found it interesting that the website has the state/territory branches separated and describes the goals of each state/territory branch. I also found it interesting when I read the paper, “ECA Position Paper on Children of Asylum Seekers, Children of Refugees and Children in Detention”. It was interesting to see the perspective of Australia for children who are refugees. The paper discusses how children’s needs should/can be met and how individuals in Australia can help these children have special protection and care. “Half of the world's refugees are children. They need special protection and care.”

I found The Research in Practice Series was very interesting and worth taking notes on. “The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.” The books are a resource for individuals who work within the early childhood field. The series focuses on the ‘hands-on’ aspects of early childhood education. I believe that ‘hands-on’ is so important to incorporate into the field of early childhood and is the core of children’s learning.

Resource:

Early Childhood Australia - http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/