When I Think of Research....

This course has helped me to realize that research is exactly what I thought it was- a lot of work. However my attitude toward it previous to taking this course and becoming knowledgeable about it was a negative one. I was not willing to do the work before because I was not sure if it was all necessary. Now I know that every part of the research design is necessary and deliberate in producing a quality project and I willfully take on the challenge of doing the work.

Speaking of being deliberate in the research process includes the planning, designing, and conducting of it- which are all equally tedious and potentially difficult. One has to plan for as many outcomes as possible and design a study in such a way that it respects the field, the children, the educators, and the researcher while proving, uncovering, supporting, or informing others of the topic.

Some of the challenges I encountered were designing a way to conduct my research. I had trouble gaining permission to use some methods such as interviewing, and had to change up my method of data collection a few times. I also foresee problems in analyzing the data because I do not want it to be tainted with my views. Having other researchers look into analyzing my data will be a great solution to this problem.

I have grown to respect EC professionals, including myself, as researchers. As mentioned before I did not think there was much to it before this class. Knowing now that I hold the tools and the power to be a legitimate researcher, I feel like I have more to contribute to the field of EC.

International Research

 I explored the Early Childhood Development Virtual University- Sub-Sahara Africa websites and found great information. One thing that impressed me was the incredible process outlined by the University to become a EC professional. First, a degree, then a nomination based on the personal commitment to children and EC development from a respected EC professional team. This process suggests that being a EC professional is a respected and highly revered position in the country- something that is lost or just hasn’t quite caught on here in the states. Also here in the U.S., anyone who wants to be in the EC field can, there is no competitive process and no requirement to show and prove your commitment to children.

Some of the research that is currently going on by EC professional students at the University includes projects of:

·         measuring the quality of child services

·         “Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in EC Training and Services”

·         using cultural stories to promote EC programs

·         training parents to improve childcare quality

·         including fathers in EC and development of their children

As I read more about the university program I thought it was very beneficial for the students in it that as a part of their educational program they are required to develop an EC curriculum. Also looking over the research, I think it is very interesting and smart to integrate the country’s culture into the curriculum. Using stories and ancient proverbs to shape their people has been used for centuries and bringing that into the EC curriculum and care shows they want to instill a good character and moral decision making in their children- not to mention an overwhelming pride to be who they are.