When I Think of Research . . .

   In taking this course, I am now more conscious and informed on the reasons in choosing a topic, conducting, analyzing and addressing research issues.  I now truly understand that research is set in place to assist in the improvement of a particular area.  In the case of early childhood education, research on Universal Design Learning can help differentiate instruction by providing methods or strategies to make it easier for children struggling in all academic areas.

   My idea about the nature of research has grown in that that I am now more aware of the steps involved to complete a research study.  I was oblivious to the countless areas involved in guaranteeing a reliable, impartial and valid study when involving children and participants.  It is crucial to all to recognize that the more studies we conduct, the more information we will have and the closer we are to solving an issue of value.

   When it comes to planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood I am more attentive to planning and the steps involved in deliberating on what is to be researched (topic of interest to researcher), how it is to be researched (observations, interviews, surveys, checklists, etc), when and where the study will take place (setting and environment), who will be participating, what type of design will be used (qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods, etc.) and how the data will be evaluated.

   Challenged encountered in my research design was time frame.  I had to schedule appointments with teachers, administrators and parents which were not always according to my schedule.  I was able to meet all but two with plenty of flexibility added into my schedule.  I met with all during planning times, physical education periods and some after school.  Another challenge for me was students, and parents, that are part of the ESOL (English Speaking Other Language) population.  With the assistance of our school ESOL teacher, I was able to have all Hispanic students and parents participate without interruption of the research project.

   As a result of Building Research Competencies, I am now more comfortable in conducting research and identifying the steps along the way.  Through this course I can define and describe how to start the research process and pinpoint ways investigate and describe research activities.  I understand the role of a researcher as we make it our mission, during the process, to build equitable and reliable research.

Research Around the World

   My chosen international early childhood interest is the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA).  This journal is one of the most prestigious early childhood periodicals in the world and has been in existence for 18 years.  Some of the current topics include articles on Introducing Children’s Perspective and Participation in Research, Participating Research with Preschool Children With and Without Disabilities, Seeking Meaning and Understanding of Children as well as looking into the professionalism of educators.  As you can see there is quite a bit of concentration in the research area focusing on children and their participation.  The articles informed you of effective methods and ideas used to conduct research successfully.  These articles were of great interest as we are preparing our on research with children and families.

   The insights I expanded upon as I read through and learned more about this international association was their attention to the importance of childhood play and how it relates to children’s success.  Educators and the general public are very interested in the correlation between how and when children play and the significance of how it affects development.  Articles address the concern of how teacher professionalism can be improved upon and practiced within the Early Childhood field in ways that uphold children's rights and interests while promoting the vital role early childhood teachers play in young children’s daily lives.

   Other noteworthy information on this website that caught my attention was their conference list and the importance of sharing research information with various institutions locally and nationally.  The Special Interest Groups (SIG) mentioned assume a large role in the life of this organization as they critique, encourage and support various issues through global partnership.  A SIG formed in Malta and based their needs on specific work.  The actions of this group have been underway since 2007 and making great strides with their efforts.

References:

http://www.eecera.org