I have gained many insights about research from this course such as: learning different terminology and definitions. I enjoyed learning the difference between quantitative and qualitative design. The website resources were helpful in gaining a more concrete definition of variables and their role in research, and ensuring that a hypotheses is not confused with an actual research question. I realize that conducting research is very time consuming and requires a tremendous of amount of attention to detail.
My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed in ways such as I didn't realize that some internet articles have to be thoroughly researched in order to come to the conclusion of whether or not the resource is credible. There are many articles that are not valid and would not enhance a research study.
The one most important lesson about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood I learned is that time and patience is definitely required in order to accomplish a successful research study. Understanding the ethical challenges that I may be faced with is also key in planning, designing, and conducting research.
Some of the challenges I encountered during this course were understanding the terminology of research. I had to review the definitions numerous times in order to grasp the differences of research terms....the ways that I met them was to continue to read, read, read, and review! I even started reading out loud!
My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified as a result of this course for the better. The charts were extremely helpful in preparing for the assignments each week, and these charts will also assist in the development of my resources in the early childhood profession. I initially entered this course extremely afraid, and now upon the completion of this course, I have realized that it was not intimidating by any means and now I know the steps to take for a successful research study.
This is a blog designed to assist me with the completion of my Master's degree in Early Childhood Studies!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
Research Around the World
The organization that I chose to research is the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). This is the link to the website: http://www.eecera.org/
There are current international research topics listed on this website. One of the topics/links that I found interesting was about the Korea Institute of Childcare and Education. On this website there are research projects that are listed under three different categories: major research, occasional research, and entrusted research. Some of these research topics are current status of extracurricular activities at kindergarten, a study on the effectiveness of childcare accreditation, and quality assurance in childcare facilities. One research topic that I found enlightening was developing an intergrative support model for disadvantaged young children. I found this enlightening because it warms my heart that even in other parts of the country there is a focus on supporting disadvantaged children.
There was some surprising facts, insights, and new ideas about early childhood that I did gain from exploring this international early childhood website. I was very excited to learn that there is assistance for children that are from low income families, just as we have CCMS (Child Care Services) here in the US. The families also use the Childcare Service Ticket System and the Children’s Education Fee Electric Card Payment System just as our CCMS families enrolled in my facility. Parent education and participation in childcare facilities and kindergarten is also a key factor in the early childhood field in Korea. There are also proposals for improvement of parent participation in Korea based on status surveys and foreign case analysis.
I found this site very informative and easy to access information in early childhood in both Europe and Korea. I feel that I am increasing my knowledge of the early childhood field all over the world!
There are current international research topics listed on this website. One of the topics/links that I found interesting was about the Korea Institute of Childcare and Education. On this website there are research projects that are listed under three different categories: major research, occasional research, and entrusted research. Some of these research topics are current status of extracurricular activities at kindergarten, a study on the effectiveness of childcare accreditation, and quality assurance in childcare facilities. One research topic that I found enlightening was developing an intergrative support model for disadvantaged young children. I found this enlightening because it warms my heart that even in other parts of the country there is a focus on supporting disadvantaged children.
There was some surprising facts, insights, and new ideas about early childhood that I did gain from exploring this international early childhood website. I was very excited to learn that there is assistance for children that are from low income families, just as we have CCMS (Child Care Services) here in the US. The families also use the Childcare Service Ticket System and the Children’s Education Fee Electric Card Payment System just as our CCMS families enrolled in my facility. Parent education and participation in childcare facilities and kindergarten is also a key factor in the early childhood field in Korea. There are also proposals for improvement of parent participation in Korea based on status surveys and foreign case analysis.
I found this site very informative and easy to access information in early childhood in both Europe and Korea. I feel that I am increasing my knowledge of the early childhood field all over the world!
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