Blog Assignment: When I Think of Research...

Doing Early Childhood Research

As a result of taking this course I have gained a great deal of insights. I have learned that when it comes to research it is a tool that we need to learn how to use and use in the right way. Researching entails talking do different ones, collecting data, accessing the data, the ethical aspects of research and more. I also learned that even though research can be time consuming there are many approaches to research and it most certainly have its advantages.

My ideas about the nature o research have changed it that I now see the value and importance of research in the field of early childhood education. Research helps me to gain the knowledge I need in the field of early childhood education and to develop and evaluate the services being offered today. I have found it necessary to continue to do research o my own as it relates to my field and others for that matter.

Planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood takes time. If I am careful in my planning, designing and conducting research then this will help me to achieve my goal. I learned in this class that it was be well laid out.

One of the challenges I encountered was finding the time to do the research. I had to force myself to make the time and put other things to the side so as to accomplish was I needed to. Another was finding the resources I needed as well. Again I made a point to set aside time so that I could accomplish my work thoroughly and it be laid out in a way that was appropriate. I found that I had to focus on what was important and the other things came secondary.

My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified in that I must continue to learn and do research and make sure my research is reliable if I am going to keep abreast with the changes in the field of early childhood education.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support. I have learned a great deal from each and every one of you. I wish all of you much success as you continue your studies.

Research Around the World

"Early Childhood Australia is a national peak non-government, non-profit organization that advocates for the best interests of young children. Early Childhood Australia has a long-standing reputation as a quality-assured knowledge broker, supported by its ethical advertising standards".

One of the current international research topics is - "The Research in Practice Series. The Research in Practice Series is a practical, easy to read resource, offering effective new approaches for those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children. Early Childhood Australia’s Research in Practice Series is an essential resource for those involved in the early childhood field. The books are idea-rich and to the point. The Research in Practice Series focuses on the practical, ‘hands-on’ aspects of early childhood – making them ideally suited to early childhood workers".

Other research topics are baby and toddler sleeping to help parents and caregivers in understanding and dealing with sleeping patterns of young children, and common sleeping problems that may rise with babies and toddlers. Another topic is: Child health and childhood obesity. Child health and childhood obesity are two related aspects of early childhood care and education that have been the focus of a lot of attention recently.There are many issues which impact on the health and well-being of young children.

Poor eating habits, lack of understanding of or access to food/nutrition information, and lack of fitness and physical exercise are all factors which contribute to what is becoming known as the obesity epidemic. While these are some of the risk factors, there are many simple and effective ways to prevent childhood obesity and encourage a healthy lifestyle in young children.

As I  explored this website I found that there was a great deal of healthful information that I found to be very interesting. One in particular is the fight against cyber bullying and how important it is that this starts early. I found this to be interesting because this is an issue that is so common today and children are dying as a result. Even though the internet can be a wonderful thing it can also facilitate anonymous forms of electronic aggression. Cyber bullies send very nasty messages to a individuals email account, they most remarks in forums that are not at all pleasant, and they can make life very miserable for the person they are bullying. Cyber bullying is very prevalent among children and there are many adults who engage in the same type of behavior. Dealing with cyber bullies is not an easy thing to do but it can be done. I found this information to be helpful because I know of someone who is experiencing cyber bullying and this information would be of great benefit to her. In addition I hope it will ease the stress and anxiety she is experiencing.

Reference:

Early Childhood Australia (2014). Retrieved from: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Baby and Toddler Sleeping (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes/baby_and_toddler_sleeping.html

Child health and Childhood Obesity, (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/resource_themes/child_health_and_childhood_obesity.html

Routines and Rituals, (2011). Retrieved from: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/everyday_learning_and_play/routines_and_rituals/routines_and_rituals.html