When I think of Research....

   Some insights that I have gained from taking this course are; research is like doing detective work. Whatever issues, trends, or controversies that exist are extensively studied to uncover answers to questions that are unknown or perhaps misunderstood. When I think about conducting research I now know that the participants are major as so is this topic or issue that is being researched. When planning research the design that is chosen is also important, the how, who, when and where the research is being conducted is key, also how data and information is collected is a part of the research design. I didn’t really encounter any challenges, not at least from my participant; I did have some challenges with figuring out how to design my research and understanding the new terminology. Some of my perceptions of early childhood have been modified as a result of this course, by opening my understanding of why and how research is important in this field. Research helps us as educators to learn about family dynamics and issues that affect particular groups or individuals and that respect and equity are a part of the effort. I would like to say I thank everyone for their support, ideas, and suggestions through this research journey. Best wishes to everyone!

Research Around The World

  I chose the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to read and think about international research, specifically involving fathers in early childhood in the Nigeria culture. Some of the international research topics are of this study is to investigate the current roles of fathers and explore ways to increase the involvement of fathers and other and other males in childcare.

     Some insights that I learned from exploring his international site, is that within most Nigerian cultures care taking of the children is viewed as a woman’s job. UNICEF (1995) “cited several studies that confirmed that both male and female children need the presence and interaction of both parents. In the same vein, Western-based literature indicates that when fathers participate in child upbringing, everyone benefits. This has also been shown to be true in Nigeria, but it is not well documented. Most of the cases available come from families that have been influenced by urbanization”.

     I think that this is a great study, because still today there seems to e a double standard when it comes to childcare and mother and father’s  men/fathers perceived roles. Even in the United States there are men who feel it is a woman’s job/duty to take care of small children. I think it is admirable that Nigeria views this very important social issue and is taking a stance to educate their men, because children benefit from equal care and partnership of both parents.

References

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Hua%20-%20MP%20Final%20-%20UVic%20LP.pdf