When I think of Research.....

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

From taking this class, I have learned about the skill of Research. I never knew nor took the time to dig deep into the skill of research and all that it entails. I am amazed to have went through 7 weeks of class, and to have learned about all the components that make it up. For instance; standards and guidelines, ethics, options and considerations, quantitative and qualitative reasoning, mixing methods, and lastly the equity of research. Unless you're an actual researcher, you never get to see the nitty gritty work that has to be completed for a research project to become successful..

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I learned that there are different ways in which to conduct research, as well as retrieving information. For instance, you can sit and simply observe and take data, or you can actually interview the individual or groups of people.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

A challenge that I encountered is by understanding some of the language used. When researchers are in the midst of a project, they use a vernacular that pertains to the course of work that they are doing. So that took a little getting used to and some time to look up words and then place it in the context that it was used to determine it's rightful definition. Another challenge that I ran into was selecting a topic and sticking with it. I chose a topic in week 1 and then having to select 3 subtopics was the first roadblock because I thought of so many other topics that sounded much better, I'm guessing because my original topic was wayyy too broad. Then as the weeks went on and I believe in week 7's discussion and I had a class mate suggest a better way of delivering the topic in words, but still using my topic and thought. One reason i'm not a biology or earth science researcher because it seems like it gets harder and harder each time you break it down.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

Well considering the fact that early childhood professionals conduct research each and every day by obtaining observational records on their progress and areas that need to be worked on. I still have some confused feelings after taking this course, but I feel confident that I can at least conduct a research on a child's progress throughout the school year based on academic objectives and the behavior that is displayed.

Thank You very much to each of my colleagues that have read, responded, and also lended advice and or suggestions throughout this class. I think it's probably safe to say, that if it wasn't for each other we all would be pretty bad researchers. I wish each of you the best of luck in your next class.

-Sherrell

Research Around the World

I chose ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa:
Sub-Saharan Africa's Mission Statement is  to further develop African ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family, and community well being and broader social and economic development.

What are some of the current international research topics?

- Pilot study of the adaptation of an established measure to assess the quality of child services in a selected orphanage in Zambia: The inclusive quality assessment tool.
- The status of coordination and supervision of early childhood education in Ghana.
- A guide for effect school and parent collaboration: A cooperative development and delivery approach in Nigeria.
- Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families in Malawi

What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

- The University derived from trainings and seminars. The completion of the university is one year to earn either a degree or certificate.
- Every area, overview, and topic that is brought forth on this virtual university is to educate the families, community, and other staff employees.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

- I enjoyed reading the history; including the learners, the country that the came from, and their role in the virtual university.

Reference

 

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). (2002) http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php