When I Think of Research...

This class has greatly broadened my knowledge of research. I had a very brief understanding of what research was prior to this class and now I feel confident in my skills and abilities to become a beginner researcher. Terms were made clearer for me, I learned how to read a research study, and I now know the in’s and out’s of how to conduct research.

Prior to this class doing research for me was to look at others research and evaluating it, I had not really thought about conducting my own research or the steps I would take to do so.

This class has taught me where to begin when doing research, it has broken down a complex subject to a manageable task.

Some challenges I encountered were misunderstanding things when they were first presented to me (some of the terms and steps), using the book was a big help, along with the articles on variables and doing quantitative research. 

I have always thought of myself as an early childhood professional, this class however has helped me to grow as an early childhood professional and has helped me to relate to others and understand others better. This class has been very informative and helpful.

Research Around the World

The Website I decided to look at was Early Childhood Australia.

Some current international research topics in EAC are:

• Malaysia solution must not extend to children under any circumstance. The ECA provides recommendations for the Malaysian children seeking asylum.
• Opposition Leader Tony Abbott is missing the point on early childhood education and care reforms. Pam Cahir ECA chief executive speaks out about the issue.
• EAC also released a position statement on the Children of Asylum Seekers. 

In their latest newsletter they addressed:

- One Day at a Time’ resource for parents of children with a disability.

- The importance of play in children’s lives.

It was very insightful to see what other countries do for children in early childhood. I liked how the website brakes Australia's states up into sections so you can see what each state is doing. 

I found the website to be a great resource. The EAC is making a lot of progress and doing a lot of things for early childhood and having the EAC website lets others see the progress they have made. I can see the resemblance to NAEYC, I do not think their organization has come as far as the NAETC has however they are on their way. 

Resource: 

Early Childhood Australia: This is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC. You can access several links to early childhood research from the menu on the left side of the home page. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/