When I Think of Research...

It is hard to believe that another eight weeks have gone by.  I remember taking a research class in my undergraduate class and not feeling that comfortable with the research process.  I have enjoyed how this one presented research in much more user friendly approach.  It is also great to look back on the process from starting with an initial topic, breaking it down into subtopics, developing a precise research question and now this week submitting the final research outline. What I liked most was the layout and how each week built upon the next.  I feel like I have learned a lot from this class and will take away so many valuable insights to doing research.  Current research can help guide us in our own pursuits but it is important to be able to sift through the information that is out there and to know what comes from valid trustworthy sites. In the past I had found reviewing literature to be very challenging.  In the first week of class we were given a wonderful tool, A practical guide to reading research articles. (Lepuschitz, 2011)  This piece has been so helpful for me to know exactly which parts of the articles are important to pay attention to.  I have found that the process is much easier than from my first experience.

My perception as an early childhood professional has been strengthened from this course in that we are advocates for children and their families.  Through research we can continue to provide what is in their best interests and is fair and just to all.  

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A practical guide to reading research articles.  Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD.

Research around the World

As seen from previous courses in the MECS program, ground-breaking research in the field is happening not only in the United States but all over the world.  I have chosen to explore the website that is in comparison similar to the NAEYC website found here in the US. 

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



Some of the current research topics that are being studied include:                     

·         Respecting diversity

·         Learning and teaching through play

·         Dealing with bullying together

·         Engaging families: Building strong communication

·         Aggression and young children

Not surprising at all, the topics that were listed were all very similar to much of the leading research that is being studied here in the United States today.  We all seem to be on the same page in regards to understanding and enhancing the learning that is capable at such a young age and providing quality programming that addresses the individual needs of each child.

I thought it would be interesting to look further into the topic of Learning and teaching through play since this is my chosen topic of study.  The website provides several links to this topic including current research that has been done. 

The link under Research in Practice Series provides literature in regards to play.  It discusses how the interactions between student and teacher are so important during times of play.  Teachers need to stay engaged with the children and prompt opportunities for continued learning by asking open-ended questions in regards to the play.  The literature also provided benefits to play of different developmental areas:

Ø  Cognitive skills (thinking, memory) and Creativity skills

Ø  Social and Emotional – helps children with developing social skills and building positive relationships

Ø  Well- being – fit mental health

Ø  Promotes good Physical health

As professionals I think that it is important to our learning and continued development that we reach out and look for similarities or extensions to current studies on early childhood development.  We are all looking to better the field and provide quality experiences for all children and we can provide support for each other as we move forward.