When I think of Research

•What insights have you gained about research from taking this course? Research is an important part of further developing the early childcare field. One insight that I gained about research from taking this course is by understanding how to conduct research stimulation an issue that is important to me as professional in the field. I now have a clear understanding of how to not only conduct the stimulation but also how to present the material in the highest way possible to ensure the accuracy of the findings. •In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed? My ideas about the nature of doing research have changed by now having a deeper understanding of how they work. I now see how important research truly is for the field of early childcare education. I will also look at the material that I find with an open mind and truly to ensure that there is no research bias presentation. •What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn? I have learned how to properly develop a research topic and plan it accordingly. With the new information, I feel more confident in my ability to develop a research topic and follow the appropriate steps. I am also about to design a research study using various techniques such as quantitative and qualitative. The research is important in further the field and conducting the research will show various new techniques to help future students and children. •What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? 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. I feel strong about my research question now and would love the opportunity to find the answer to the question of parent involvement and the affects it has on young children’s education. •What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course? One way in which my perception of an early childhood professional has been modified as a result of this course, is my understanding of research and the importance it has on the field. Upon completion of this course, I now have a firm background and understanding of how exactly the research benefits the young children. Another way in which my perception of an early childhood professional has been modified is through the use of various research methods. Before the course, I thought there was only one way in which to perform a research study. I now have a sense of different methods and have a clear view of how each method adds to the research itself. The various methods provide an opportunity to observe the research from various standpoints.

Research Around the World

•What are some of the current international research topics? The website that I explored was http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. One of the most current international research topics is transitioning and how to make children feel confident and secure within the classroom. This topic is important regardless of whatever country the students are from. Children may have a difficult time transitioning from a new grade to the next or switching schools. If the topic is shared and teachers and parents can gain insight on various techniques on how to help their children feel secure within their environment, the transition will be smooth helping them feel comfortable quickly. •What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website? 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 site offers facts about how assessments are stepping stones towards understanding where children may need additional help or are succeeding in their education. Although as teachers we know how essential assessment is, I never thought of it as a stepping stone. Now I can almost picture students taking leaps in their education once they successful complete an assessment and the progress is evident. •What other noteworthy information did you find on this website? Noteworthy information that I found on the website is the important detail about funding for early childhood education. Other countries also find it essential to provide additional money for helping children develop early in their education. Foreign countries are beginning to focus on the early years for children and see the importance of funding the education. This allows children all over the world to get the start to their education that they all deserve.