When I Think of Research...

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

Even though I still do not care for research that much, I have learned some helpful tips about research from taking this course.  I have learned how to develop a research design, or at least the basics of do so, in addition to several terms involving research that I did not know before taking this course.

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

My ideas about the nature of doing research has not changed, I still prefer not to do research.  There are so many elements that comprise research that I still do not feel I have grasped completely.

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

The lesson about planning, designing, and conducting research that I learned was to be more detailed and precise.  These two elements cost me several points on my application 2 assignments, I felt that I was giving detailed and precise information but when explained to me I was not.

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

I encountered several challenges, a few of the challenges were adding detail to my work, including citations and providing examples of variables (independent and dependent).  I met them by reading the professors comments and applying them to my assignments.  I also used a variety of online sources to ensure that I had the right understanding of terms used.

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

The research portion of the early childhood profession is very critical to all parties involved.  There are a lot of minor details that have to be carefully looked at to ensure that the study is carried out in an ethical manner.  Without research it would be impossible to improve the lives and education of our children, it is an integral aspect of this profession.  Even though I will not be the one performing research to help our field, I am very thankful for those that will and are currently researching different topics within the field.

Research Around the World

After exploring the links that were provided for this week's blog assignment I found several international research topics, some topics favored the current status of children, families and women's issues in the particular country.  Some of these topics include:

"The Status of Coordination and Supervision of Early Childhood Education in Ghana"

"A Community-driven Rural Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project, with Emphasis on Culturally and Developmentally Appropriate Exploratory Learning Concepts"

"Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development"

"Improving the Quality of Childcare Through Parenting Enrichment and Training of Trainers: The Eritrean Model"

Exploring this international early childhood website gave me insight on some of the concerns and ideas other Early Childhood Professionals have pertaining to either current issues that prey their program or helpful avenues on how to improve their program.  When children are raised with both of their parents they tend to be better off, receiving the type of care and support needed to grow and develop.  In Nigeria it has been discovered that only and small amount of fathers participate in their child's early childcare program.  The Nigerian cultural is somewhat similar to the ideas and customes of the US, women in Nigeria are mostly responsible for the care of the children; men are the providers.  I also learned that is polygamy is legal in most African countries that this has left far too many baring the weight alone of raising their children. 

Other noteworthy information I found on this website was about the African Learners SSA-1, which consists of 27 ECD professionals across Sub-Saharan Africa.  These leaders have and those who are still living are working hard to improve the quality of education children receive in their area.  They are very much concerend with each participating country and advancing the ECD community.  The ECDVU works deligently to engage all ECD leaders in building initiatives supporting child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development (ECDVU, 2005). 

Reference:

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU), 2005.  Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Retrieved December 1, 2011 from
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

The topic I would choose is 'Adolescent Suicide', the reason I say adolescent is because the age of suicide is becoming younger and younger, occurring well before they enter their teens.  I would like to discover the underlining reason behind these suicides and implement programs to aide in decreasing these sad cases.   The pretty little girl below is Jasmine McClain age 10, her mother found her in her bedroom dead...she hung herself.  Jasmine was a victim of bullying, her mother stated that she was being teased about her shoes and clothes.  Jasmine did not want to return to school and was very unhappy.  I think it is time for parents to start taking responsibility in their child's actions, letting them know that it is not nice to hurt their peers by picking, teasing and or taunting.  These cases are becoming more and more prevalent all throughout the United States and we need to  get a hold on this before it  spirals out of control.  Implementing self-esteem building exercises in  early childhood programs would help children increase their self-esteem and they can love themselves just as they are.  This will help children realize that even though they do not have the type of clothes and shoes that are in style they are still unique and beautiful.  Only positive returns will come from this research, lives would be saved and families (parents) would be able to continue to grow.  I know there is something we can do to help children before it gets to this point.  If we look at history children with low self-esteem tend to either hurt others or themselves.  Some become overweight and or obese, eating to numb the hurt of being teased.  Others obtain weapons and enters school armed to kill those who hurt them.   This has escalated since  the Columbine High School massacre and needs to be stopped, so many innocent lives are being lost right in our public schools. 


To read this story follow the link:
http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/10390079/