When I Think of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

In  quest for knowledge and being engaged in this course, I have gained that in order to execute a valuable and authentic research; the information and resources used have to be of credible source, reliable and most of  all valid. In ensuring thus, it helps in creating a positive atmosphere for the steps in the research process. Today, I am cognizant that research helps in the total execution of my roles as an educator as it gives information that is deemed to be very authentic and efficient towards making meaningful interventions for not just children that I interact with but also developing a strong and positive relationship with parents/ guardians.
Secondly, I have learned  that there is a third methodological or research paradigm that can be used in executing a research that helps a research to be powerful, informative, complete and balanced (mixed method approach).


In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?  

My ideas  of doing a research have totally changed because at first I thought research was very frustated, boring, time consuming and irrelevant. Howvever, today, I am rather elated, enthused and energized about executing a research on my own.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I have learned that the whole process of planning, designing and conducting research all collaborate and depend on each other for a complete a research. Therefore, all three elements have to be done timely so as to help the smooth sailing of the research process to take place and be effective.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? 

My first challenge that I encountered was writing a hypothesis. However, with the aid from looking closely at various examples given in the course resources, I was capable of overcoming such challenge. Secondly, was differentiating between a qualitative and quantitative research. Nevertheless, with reading about thus as well as viewing examples of these researches I was able to identify the differences that lied between both researches.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course? 

 My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course in a number of ways. One of such is the whole matter of research is an effective process that should be used to help guid one's practice as well as the more current research that is done the better interventions can be made towards the holistic development of our children and self.

Last but not least, I want to take time out to give thanks to all of my colleagues and instructor for your support and feed backs that were given throughout this course. Indeed they were very effective towards my well being. Thanks again and all the best to you all in your other courses!!!!!!     

Research Around the World

As I view the assignments for this week I chose to browse the following website http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. Therefore, I am able to answer the following questions in this manner.

What are some of the current international research topics?

 Some of the current research topics include- 

• Child care improvement
• Quality early childhood services
• Increase investment in child care accessibility
• Fair, inclusive, quality education every child's right
• Resources to support service, families and children
• Majority of providers back quality reforms in early childhood sector                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
  As I browse through this website it was one that amazed me. It was fully equipped with a lot of informative information that is very vital and important towards the field of early childhood education and care. I have gained some facts in regards to children's behavior, parenting, social/emotional learning, service-family relationships by just browsing through the catalogue section of this international early childhood website.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    
  What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
  I found out that ther are different organizations that jointly plays a part in the upliftment of the early childhood sector. I also realise that they are runned using a code of ethics which loudly and clearly speaks about quality as it relates to children's welfare.