Sunday, June 26, 2011

Reasearch In Early Childhood

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?  I have learned that there are many types of research that are conducted and a researcher has to follow rules and stipulations just like everyone else even though they are experimenting. I’ve learned that there are risk factors in a research project that is important to be able to receive the necessary approval to proceed with a project.   

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed? I realized that research is not as boring and as simple or as complex. There are several things in a research that must take place to have accurate data and get the results for the research.   
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn? I’ve learned that the use of valuable research tools like triangulation is important in research.  I learned a lot about qualitative and mixed-method research designs and how the two relates to your experiment being conducted.  I've learned that planning is essential and very important part of research. 
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? I must say the only challenge I had this semester was getting my assignments submitting due to my lab top difficulties.  I had to read and catch up because I was a week behind the others.  The reading and discussion was very helpful and help the complete assignments. 
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course? I’ve learned that children being used in research has being improved over time and that there are certain requirements and consents that are needed in order for a child to be part of an experiment.

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Research In Australia

Early Childhood in Australia

What are some of the current international research topics?
 Research in Practice Series focuses on the practical, 'hands-on' aspects of early childhood – making them ideally suited to early childhood workers.  Research topics international are



What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website? Reading the mission statement made me think about the age of a child that is focused on in our country.  Early Childhood focuses on young children but at one age do we really consider our children to not be part of early childhood.  Are there factors that make them not to be considered as being in their early childhood stages?
What other noteworthy information did you find on this website? I found a lot of interesting early childhood newsletters and articles.  Here is a listing of a few articles from the site. 

How does your state rate? New report examines states’ progress in early childhood reform
Tips to minimize stress during your child's first year at school

The new Australian Curriculum is about content, not about how teachers deliver it.

Quality childcare more important than cost.

Reference:

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/