When I think of research....

When I think of the very first week of this course to the eight week of this course I realized that a lot of work has been done in a relatively short period. Research involves a lot of work, notwithstanding that, I can now understand the different aspects that make a great research study. I now have a netter understanding on how to present and conduct a research situation and to present the facts pf the studies in a way to ensure that ethical procedures are followed and accuracy is achieved.



My ideas about the nature of doing research have changed by the different methods involved in creating a final study. I understand the importance of examining key factors in documents, where to read first and what to focus on. Importantly, not to be intimidated by the word "research".



With the aspect of planing, designing and conducting research in early childhood it is important to develop a research topic and to make steps on how to execute each step successfully. 



Some of the challenges that I encountered was developing a strong research question. I had a lot of trouble developing exactly what I wanted to find and how to properly explain that through the form of a question. It took a great deal of time and analyzing of the purpose of what I was trying to do in order for me to meet that challenge and properly manage it. As well as recognizing a valid hypothesis, but I eventually understood these challenges by continually reading over the terms.

To Early Childhood Professional, to researchers, to my fellow classmates I give three cheers for the hard work involved in this field. I have a better appreciation and respect for the work that is given in such a demanding and challenging field but in the end, very rewarding.

Research Around the World

The website that I explored was http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. The website offers innovative research into the field of early childhood education and holds similar mission statement as to that of the NAEYC. There is a series called The Research in Practice Series it is a practical, easy-to-read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.

One of the most current international research topics is Critical reflection as a tool for change: Stories about quality improvement. This topic has global importance to those in the early childhood field. The stories demonstrate how effective reflective practice within several services throughout Australia and resulted in identifying issues that needed to be included in their Quality Improvement Plan (QIP). These stories consider how reflection can be embedded into daily work. The strategies are not complicated but demonstrate how a deliberate and disciplined approach can result in changes in practice.The children and families of these services have benefited as a result of the passion and commitment to change and best practice that these services demonstrated.

One new insight that I gained from exploring the international early childhood website is assessment and how helpful it can be towards children’s education. The organization advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to eight years.

Early Childhood Australia is the national umbrella organisation for children's services. Early Childhood Australia sees this task as an opportunity to support the advocacy role of the children's services sector as a whole, without undermining the rights of sector peak organisations to operate and speak independently.