Thinking about research...

This course has provided me with an in-depth explanation of the research process.  I have learned new concepts, such as quantitative and qualitative research.  I have gleaned how to properly conduct research and how to analyze a study for ineffective, improper research methods. I intend to use research techniques such as direct observations, interviewing and sampling to conduct future research. Decreasing bias and analyzing research for bias were challenging. I found that developing self-reflexivity will support me in overcoming bias in research.

I believe as I continue on my education journey my experiences in this course will positively impact my ability to solve problems and answer important questions.  I will continue to learn, ask questions, and seek answers through the research process.

EECERA helps to answer some questions!

What are some of the current international research topics?

• Children's perspectives and participation in research
• Outdoor play and learning
• Professionalism in early childhood care and education 

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

• There is a Special Interest Group (SIG), Young Children's Perspectives, that was formed in 2004.  This group strives to reflect reflect children's rights and perspectives through collaborative research.  This SIG has also drawn attention to three issues regarding children's involvement in research: children's rights to protection, their rights to participation, and their rights to privacy.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

• There are several Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that research and study specific topics in the early childhood field.  The website provides email contact information for the participants in each SIG.  Below is a list of current SIGs:
• Birth to Three
• Equity and Respect for Diversity
• Leadership and Integration
• Leadership Mentoring for Early Years Services
• Learning and Participation
• Mathematics Birth to Eight Years
• Outdoor Play and Learning
• Professionalism in Early Childhood Education and Care
• Transitions
• Young Children's Perspectives
• Working With Parents and Families

Imagine the impact of research on this...

For this assignment I chose option 2:

Something I'm very passionate about is teaching young children how to read!  With the means and the knowledge to conduct a study that positively impacts young children and their families I would complete a longitudinal study regarding the impact preschool has on early reading abilities.  My focus would be on low socioeconomic status children and families.  I would follow the participants and their reading ability growth from preschool through 3rd grade. 

A study in the area of literacy and young children would positively impact young children and their families because it would provide data to support policies that fund preschool programs.  Early childhood professionals and advocates could present the findings to decision-makers who enact policies in the field.  Findings in this study could increase accessibility, equity, and quality in early programs for low socioeconomic status families and children.

Research Topic Simulation

This week I chose the topic of teacher/program quality and completed a literature review of 3 articles.  I chose this topic for several reasons, but mainly because of my current position in the field.  I am a Master Teacher for PreK-2nd grade.  In this position I facilitate all of the primary educator professional development and complete four evaluations per teacher, per school year.  The evidence I gather from teacher evaluations has prompted me to ask the question, How does teacher quality impact student achievement? many times.  The student achievement data and my evidence from evaluations tells me it has a great impact, but I have always wanted to find out what research findings say.

As I have been constructing my research chart, I have found many words that I have known and used in other contexts; however, when they are used in conjunction with research they play an important role.  Words like validity, triangulation, and reliability.  I have enjoyed taking the time to "loo up" these words and rewrite them in my own words.  I believe my research chart will be a great support when completing and writing about research.

Have any of you located any supportive research tools or resources that you can share?  If so, please let me know, as I am eager to continue on y research journey.