When I Think of research...

Initially, when I thought of research, the whole idea of it frightened me.  This class was actually giving me anxiety problems.  However, I now feel much more confident with my knowledge of what research entails and being able to understand research when I read it or should I conduct it myself.


I've learned that research doesn't have to be scary.  I really thought it was quite smart how the steps involved were broken down for us and then in the end, we were able to fit the pieces of the puzzle together to see research as a whole.


I've learned a lot about research in terms of the planning and the timeline of the research.  I hadn't thought before about the time involved in something as simple as conducting an interview.  My attention was also brought to the fact that validity in research is paramount.  Without validity, the study can be a waste.  


There were a few bumps in the road when learning about research for me.  At times, I didn't always understand the text. At first, I would become frustrated, but then i learned to just re-read it again (and sometimes 3 times) until I understood. Next, I also had to learn to be very concise in my statements, especially in my hypothesis.  I learned that this needs to be very narrowed.


In total, I have much more respect for the all of the early childhood professionals that have done research.  I have had to read over many research articles since I started my courses with Walden University.  However, I can say I have a new appreciation and understanding for all the work and preparation that went behind all of the research that in turn we use to make us better educators.

Research Around the World

This week, I visited http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/.


What are some of the current international research topics?
 For this Australian website,I reviewed their research through practice section.  Their research topics seem to mirror many in the U.S.  their topics included bullying, aggression and young children, children as communicators and young children as active learners just to name a few.


What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
From this website, I learned about the portfolio journey that one researcher suggests will help the early childhood learning journey.  It is suggested that both teachers and children journal about their teaching/learning experience.  It is suggested that this allows both parties to reflect on their understanding and teaching experiences.  Another insight that I've had is that really, even after crossing oceans, issues with children that need to be researched are very similar, especially in Australia.  Our cultures are very much educationally alike.


What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
This website also contained very valuable information on best support practices with infant sleep.  this caught my eye because I had a child with colic and this child did not sleep through the night until she was 3.  there is information on establishing routines when feeding and being able to tolerate crying in order to self-soothe.  I feel that the more routine you can establish in this are early on, the happier your baby and you will be.  No sleep for baby equals no sleep for mom and that does not produce positive results...trust me!  I really feel this could be helpful to many parents.