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

    

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

     I would like to share a publish research article that researched the positive effects of smaller class sizes for students. The article is titled “Does Class Size Matter”? I worked in an early childhood classroom, specifically with toddlers up into three years of age. In my opinion and personal experience, class size does matter, because children benefit greatly from smaller class sizes, as they can receive more personal one on one time. Especially toddlers who are very egocentric, they most certainly benefit, especially with social/emotional, cognitive, and autonomy development. The article states “Importantly, small classes have been found to have positive impacts not only on test scores during the duration of the class size reduction experiment, but also on life outcomes in the years after the experiment ended” (National Education Policy Center, 2014) Go and check the article out if you’re interested in class size and the positive outcomes it has for children.

References

Does Class Size Matter? - National Education Policy Center

http://nepc.colorado.edu/files/pb_-_class_size.pdf National Education Policy Center

My Personal Research Journey

     I am choosing teenage mothers as it relates to early childhood education for my research stimulation. I chose this topic to research, because I work on a daily basis with teenage parents and I personally know teenage parents. Some insights that I have gained from came from my Professor, Dr. Todd in reference to narrowing down my subtopics. I will be stimulating some research on child abuse and neglect, is this indicative of teenage mothers? teenage parents understanding of early childhood development as it relates to social, cognitive, or physical development. (Focusing in on one of the stages of development) and these mothers own continuing education. The course text is very informative and explains the research process in terms that are easy to follow; I can appreciate the glossary at the end of the text, because it offers further explanations and definitions to key words. If any of my fellow classmates have any insights, knowledge, or resources that will be useful in my research stimulation, I welcome your thoughts and advice, I will be happy to offer the same to anyone if I can be of help. Thank you and good luck guys!

Reference

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

Final Post for issues and Trends

Professional growth and development is what keeps us abreast and current with issues and trends with the early childhood education field. Three consequences that I believe learning about the international early childhood field in regard to professional and personal development are as follows:

1.      Places me in a position where are am more knowledgeable about worldly issues

2.      It can place me in a collaborative position to use my education and experience to help advocate and share my time and commitment to the field with other educators and children from different part of the world

3.       Connecting with international agencies or programs will educate me on some positive innovative ways to improve educational opportunities here in the United States 

   

One goal that I have as far as collegial relations and international awareness is to be able to

actually someday work outside the United States to experience early childhood education

another country. Building relationships with others from around the world will make me 

informed, well rounded professional. Who is willing to share my knowledge with others and 

from other early childhood educators outside of the United States.