When I Think of Research...

Prior to taking this course my connection with research was limited to either hearing about them or reading about them. This course has affirmed to me that research allows for a better understanding of the chosen topic, proves information to unknown questions, and it confirms ideas. I can honestly say I have a new found appreciation and respect for research.

Taking this course has taught me that research consists of many components. There were many things I found interesting about this course. For example, I learned that ethics is a very important part of research. It is important to obtain consent of all the participants involved, that participants have rights and deserve to be respected and their information must be kept confidential. Learning about the different designs was quite enlightening. This course has taught me that research is not just about numbers, there is a process for collecting data to make your research valid.

This course was challenging in some ways. For instance, putting together my first research simulation was not easy. My first research simulation lacked information and I didn’t quite understand how to complete it. However, I didn’t give up and by my second research simulation I was able to process my research simulation and it began to evolve.

After taking this course, it confirmed to me that research is an important part of early childhood education. Therefore, early childhood professionals should always refer back to research to gain more knowledge of the field.

It was a pleasure taking this course with my colleagues. Each one of you brought something enlightening to the table.

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Research Around the World

Early childhood education programs are forever evolving and there are so many organizations that conduct research for the betterment of children. The European Early Childhood Research Associate (EECRA), is one of the largest research organizations in Europe that provide research professionals the opportunity to show case their research studies. This is a great opportunity for individuals, local government, and non profit organizations to come together and share thoughts and ideas in the early childhood field.

One of the things I found interesting with (EECRA) is researchers who become members have the opportunity to join forces with other professionals from different organizations to research specific subjects on early childhood. These particular members are known as Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and the purpose for these groups is to bring about information that can benefit children and families nationally. Currently, there are several topics being research. One of the topics that are currently being research is young people’s perspectives. The purpose of this research is to evaluate and explain children’s perspective. An important part of the study is to engage children’s perspective and participation in research. This is one of many research topics (SIGs) members take part in.

 The European Early Childhood Education Research Journal (EECERJ) is one of the most impressive research journals. Professionals in early childhood programs would find these journals helpful when dealing with children and their families. The journals provide updated research topics such as, Birth to Three and Outdoor Play and Learning. Both topics mentioned play an important role in early childhood and as a professional keeping inform of what’s happening in early childhood around the world is essential.

 Retrieved from http://www.eecera.org/