When I Think of Research

One important insight that I gained in regards to research, is the value it was in society with it we can better understand the behavior and needs children and family have in order to improve, modify or change our views or ways of providing services. Another insight I gained was that research is not as simple as I thought, it requires a lot of planning, research, organization and effort in order to meet the needs of all parties not just the needs of the researcher. My idea about the nature of doing research completely changed, I know have a more clear understanding of its implications as well as its benefits for society and that because of this it has to be done in a way that is informative, ethical and meaningful that it has to have a purpose of improving the lives of others. Another important insight I learned was that not all research is accurate and valid, that it is important to review them carefully before considering them as tools for references. I learned identify the clues to look for when trying to find a research paper that is worth using as a point of reference.

The lesson that I learned in regards to planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood, is that it has to be done professionally.  That it is important for the researcher to learn to identify its bias in order to better observe, document and avoid judging or stereotyping during the research. It is also important in order for the information to be accurate and valid. Validity is an important peace in all research and in order for this to happen researchers need to be conscience that everything is done properly and with equity.  

Among the challenges I encountered was being able to identify which method of research would be the best fit for my type of research. Another challenge was being able to identify the question that would better guide my research to the intended result and validity that would confirm my hypothesis. The way I was able to overcome these challenge was with the support of my text book, colleagues as well as the valuable feedback obtained from my instructor during the course.

As, I learn more about our role as professionals in the field of Early Childhood, I’m able to understand how important our influence can be in the lives of children and their families. How we can we make a difference in the lives of many children and their families by actually being proactive and researching ways to improve our understanding and service to the children and families we serve.

Thank you all for your wonderful support, things would have been much harder if I wouldn’t have counted with your experience and knowledge in regards to the difference aspects of early childhood focused on research that we explored during this course. Good luck to all and I’m looking forwards on hearing from you again in the next courses to complete for our Master’s Degree.

Research Around the World

I choose to review the link http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria, Canada, this virtual university is the international gateway for early childhood research worldwide. As I reviewed their website I was able to understand the wonderful work they do to educate and training in regards to child and young care, as they express in their mission. “The School of Child and Youth Care provides education, training, professional development and research for the care and support of children, youth, families and their communities. The work of the School of Child and Youth Care is grounded in the principles of inclusion, social justice and ethical practice”.

The University has 3 major goals:

One is to provide university level education in child and young care through the delivery of an inclusive curriculum that address the cultural competencies, knowledge, skills, and self awareness/development necessary for child and youth care professionals to meet the highest standards of professional practice. They undertake innovative theoretical, empirical and applied research that represents diverse populations, contexts, histories, epistemologies, knowledge and experiences. Last of all and perhaps one of the most important goals in the importance they give to motivating leadership in the area of social advocacy, education, research and professional development while supporting the initiative of others in enhancing services, public policies, and the evolution of the field and the promotion of social justice.

Among the valuable information they offer in their website it was great to see how they encourage employment opportunities to these students that are graduating. How they value the importance of equity opportunities and fairness among the applicants. Encouraging applications from women, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, aboriginal peoples, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the University.

Other noteworthy information that I was able to find in the website was various ways information, questions and live conversation could be made with people interested in their program such as, FACEBOOK, Flickr, Twitter, and YouTube. Which are great ways to reach a bigger number of people interested.