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.

Research that Benefits Children and Families

One area in the early childhood field that I would like to study further is the benefits of children learning two languages at an early age.  Since all of my students enter the school speaking Spanish, it is crucial to help them learn the English language.  By the end of the year, they leave speaking a great deal of English, allowing them to hold whole conversations.  I will like to conduct research on how the dual language ability affects the children later on in life.  Were they more successful than those who only speak one? Were they able to help their families more because they spoke both languages?  Some might feel that we already know the answers to those questions.  I would like to stay with the same family and do research over the years to see what differences occur between a child speaking two languages versus the other speaking only one.

I can see there being positive contributions to the field by this research.  A key component might be how more advanced the children’s thinking and problem solving ability may be from having to switch the language in their brain back and forth between the two.  They might be more qualified at jobs and have no trouble being accepted into college because they possess the dual language ability.  The children might also be able to help their family better understand ways to better themselves such as how to defend their rights and attend better school systems.

Personal Research Simulation

The topic that I chose for the simulation parent involvement and the impact it has on their child’s education.  I have a great deal of experience with this topic and that has sparked my interest in researching it further.  I am a teacher in a Head Start program and have about 95% of my students speaking only Spanish when they enter my classroom.  Their parent’s speak no English at all making it difficult to communicate.  They often drop their children off and run right back out the door. None of them take the time to ask questions about what their learning or even to read a book.  I would like to find concrete evidence to provide to them how their presence in the classroom, even for a short time, can alter their child’s learning experience. 

Upon completing the research chart, I now have a better understanding of terminology that I did not know before such as triangulation. Based on the word, I had a basic comprehension that it dealt with three of something but that is about it.  The chart is a handy tool to keep on hand and perhaps even add to the vocabulary aspect of it further. 

Has anyone else have a similar experience in regard to parent involvement or have had it in the past and can offer some suggestions on how to get them more involved?  I would like for them to understand how important it is without stressing them out if they feel they truly cannot spend a little bit of time.

One resource that I have found incredibly helpful with the field of early childhood education in general is zerotothree.org.  The site is current and follows the guidelines set in the assigned reading.  I find myself returning to the site to check for new information and journal articles.  It is a very useful resource to keep close by.

Final Blog Assignment

One of the biggest consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional development is reading about the struggles other countries are having.  I was not aware of how big of an issue early childhood education truly was.  Upon visiting websites and watching podcasts, it was clear that we are not the only country who struggles with education.  It was clear that people were aware of how important it is for children and their development but many are not willing to devote government funding to the programs.

Another consequence is more towards my personal development.  It is very upsetting to read about the foreign countries who do not offer free education to their children.  Many are forced to either not attend school or leave at a young age because they have to work.  More needs to be done to help the families who cannot afford for their children to attend preschool or daycare programs.  They are hurting their development.

The final consequence in learning about the international early childhood field for my professional development understands what other countries are going through.  It is clear why so many families are coming to our country to help their children.  Every child in my class is from another country and it is now clear why.  Although our education system may not be perfect, it seems to be slightly better than most foreign countries.

One goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends is to inform others of the struggles in other countries.  We must come together as professionals and explain to others how important early childhood education truly is.  Without it, the children are not getting the head start on their education that they truly need, especially those coming from foreign countries and not speaking English. 

Getting to Know International Contacts Part 3

The first insight that I learned from the site (http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/), deals with the availability to early childhood education.  Similiar to that of the United States, other countries give more opportunities for high quality programs to children who come fromnwealthy families.  The low income families receive little attention from the government and assitance for their children to attend public schools and early childhood education programs.

The second insight that I gained from the site is that many want to lower the age for children to enter preschool.  Others are fighting it stating that they only want to prepare children earlier for formal schooling.

My final insight is in terms of coordinatino.  Both the national and local governments must work together to work out a plan for children and early childcare.  It must also be worked out between public and private centers.  Everyone must work together to ensure that the children are receiving the highest quality education possible and the money is being distributed evenly.

Sharing Web Resources - Wk 6

Follow some of the outside links that you have not yet explored. Where do they lead?

One of the outside links that I explored lead me to a site that informed me about the latest policies regarding children from ages zero to three.  It allowed me to see who was on the policy board along with their credentials.  I was able to see what changes had been made and how it will impact the children.

Thoroughly search one area of the site. What do you find?

I searched through the journal articles the site zerotothree.org provides.  I was able to break down the sections and only focus on the area of play and this specific age group.  I found a page in which concerned parents can post questions about their children and a professional from the site will answer them the best they can.  It was very informative to see the different responses and questions that were posed.

If you receive an e-newsletter, follow a link related to one of the issues you have been studying. What new information is available?

Unfortunately I have no received an e-newsletter from this site.  I am hoping to do so soon.

Does the website or the e-newsletter contain any information that adds to your understanding of equity and excellence in early care and education?
One aspect of equity in early child care and education that was mentioned was how to help a parent select the proper program for their child.  The site offers questions for the parents to think about when looking at programs such as the experience and training of the staff.  This information is very helpful for first time parents putting their children in a day care or preschool setting.  The article can be found at the link http://www.zerotothree.org/early-care-education/child-care/choosing-quality-child-care.html.  I think everyone should check it out.

What other new insights about issues and trends in the early childhood field did you gain this week from exploring the website and/or the e-newsletter?
Another trend that I explored this week was regarding school readiness and signs to look for.  The site composed a brief article for parents to look at and identify key factors to look for in their children who will be starting kindergarten.  This is important especially this time of year when the school terms are ending and children will be moving on to another class.  It will help both the parents and children develop over the summer and understand what is coming up for them within the next school year.