When I Think of Research...

I have gained a great deal of insight about research from taking this course.  Truly, for me this was an experience.  First of all, I learned how to determine the difference in the types of designs such as quantitative and qualitative.  I have learned what each design uses as a means of gathering data.  Before this class I knew nothing about triangulation.  Today, I know that there are four types: data, methodological, investigator, and theory triangulation.   I understand that if you are conducting a qualitative study, the use of triangulation is used to ensure the study is valid.  This is just some of the insights I have gained.

My ideas about the nature of doing research changed because I’m not as fearful as I was at the beginning of this class trying to conduct a research study.  I have some fear in, but I have so much more insight that I believe I am capable of doing research. 

An important lesson I learned about planning is that it prevents problems.  By planning you are able to consider major options and alternatives. Designing is about deciding on options and choices that will help guide you in the direction that your research will precede.  Time, place and persons are some key aspects of research design.  Also, what you plan to research and how you will conduct the study. The first step in design is identifying the topic and stating the main focus of the research. In conducting research it involves focusing on collecting and analyzing data and ensuring that it is valid.  There is much to be considered in conducting a research study so it takes time.

A couple of challenges that I encountered were a small sample size for my study and the amount of time that would be needed.

My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified by the notion of conducting research.  This is not an easy task.  I am less fearful now after having completed this class, but I know there is a lot to be learned.  My hat goes off to those professionals conducting research.

Reference

Mac Naughton, G.; Rolfe, S. A.; & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010) Doing Early Childhood

     Research.  International Perspectives on Theory & Practice. (2^nd ed.)  New York, NY:

     McGraw Hill.

Research Around the World

I explored Early Childhood Australia.  A current international research topic was on Korean children’s cultural adjustment during transition to the early years of school in Australia.  The participants in the study were a sample of South Korean international students aged five to eight years, their mothers, and teacher.  The study found that language difficulties were a major concern for these children in adapting to an Australian education setting as with any other outside culture.  However, successful cultural adjustments were found connected to positive interpersonal relationships with peers, teachers, and the ability to adjust to the teaching methodology.

Another research topic was Outdoors play: Does avoiding the risks reduce the benefits.  This research aimed to argue for the inclusion of positive risk-taking experiences in children’s outdoor play, primarily in the context of early childhood education.

A few surprising facts I gained from exploring this international website was that 92 per cent of Australians think the quality of early childhood education and care is more important than cost.  The people of Australia want better quality early childhood education and care.  This website also offered five tips to parents to help minimize their child’s stress during their first year of school: 

• Tell children about what you’ll be doing during the day so they don’t worry.
• Break the day into manageable parts.  For example:  I will pick you up after the last bell rings.
• Make sure the person picking up the child wait close to the classroom and is on time.
• If you’re going to be late, let the school know and have them to inform the teacher and your child what is happening.
• Have a Plan B with your child and let the school know as well.

Other noteworthy information I found is that their code of ethics in relation to research is very much the same as that of the United States.  The best interest of the child comes first and the families.

Reference

Early Childhood Australia.  Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/