Farewell All

This has been a course in which I learned a lot.  I can say that I learned how to be a more adequate researcher.  Before this class, I had trouble locating sources, as well as identifying proper topics to research.  Now, I feel as if I am capable to do both.

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

I have learned that research can be very helpful and understanding children.  Children are capable of being competent enough to participate in research studies.  When research is done properly with children, one may learn the opinions that a child may have.

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

I am no longer afraid to conduct research. I did not feel competent enough to conduct research prior to taking this class.  Now, I do feel like I have a good starting point and resources to conduct a research study of my choice.

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

I learned that when planning research, it is important to have a clear idea of what it he or she would like for the audience to g.  Also, to gain from the research study. Also, one must have a design in mind that he or she would like to use and to make sure that it matches up properly with the research study.

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

One of the main challenges I encountered, was narrowing my topic down.  I had a lot of information that I was trying to gain more knowledge about without having a clear general statement for my audience to understand from the beginning what I would like for them to gain from my study.

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

After this course, I now see a childhood professional as one that is competent at researching and collecting data for himself or herself.  A professional is someone that is competent on several different levels of education.  Whether it is the classroom, or in this case conducting research.

This has been a very helpful course.

Happy Learnings

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA):

I chose this resource because I sometimes have trouble locating journals that provide current information on topics that are going on the early childhood world. Some of the issues that  people seem to be most interested in at this time are the articles listed below.  These are the most trending for the journals that had already been posted.

Make‐believe play versus academic skills: a Vygotskian approach to today’s dilemma of early childhood education Elena Bodrova        

Volume 16, Issue 3, 2008

The dynamics of early childhood spaces: opportunities for outdoor play? Tim Waller, et al.

Volume 18, Issue 4, 2010

 

Research with children: three challenges for participatory research in early childhood Tim Waller, et al.        

Volume 19, Issue 1, 2011

Introducing children's perspectives and participation in research Deborah Harcourt, et al.         Volume 19, Issue 3, 2011

 

Some of the current issues that are being discussed is the disadvantage and social justice, breaking poverty, and the inclusion of Roma children in the early years.  After looking over this site, I learned that this is one of the most prestigious online journals in the world. is a non-profit organisation, wholly-owned and subscribed to by its substantial and influential world-wide membership.