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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Personal Experience with Research

I have not had many experiences with research personally.  However, this past academic school year we did try different methods with a child to try to help him with his behavior problems.  We did research different methods and strategies to try with the child.  One strategy that we found that worked really well with him was giving him two options; however, the options consisted of what we wanted him to do, but since he was able to make a choice he was able to take responsibility for his actions.

This child now, is one of our best behaved children and it did not start out that way.  He even like to help the other children when they are making bad choices.  It did take us about three months, and it was very tedious and sometimes overwhelming but I am glad that my co-teacher and I stuck with it!

Responsive Classroom Approach

I decided to do my research topic over the responsive classroom approach.  This approach is a research- and evidence-based approach to elementary education that is associated with greater teacher effectiveness, higher student achievement, and improved school climate.  Using this strategy sets in overall positive environment for both teacher and the students.  I am looking forward to learning more about this approach, and I believe that it will help become a more motivated teacher.  Below I will include the hyperlink for teaching in a responsive classroom setting just in case anyone is interested.  If anyone have any information on this approach please feel free to share the information with me!

http://www.responsiveclassroom.org/about-responsive-classroom

Hi All

I am looking forward to starting this semester on learning how to properly research.  I have never been able to research information that well, so I am a little excited on learning about how to become a competent researcher.

Looking forward to seeing what you all post over the next seven weeks!!

Reflecting on EDUC 6162

Over the past eight weeks we have been blogging about issues in trends world wide.  By seeing some of the issues we face in the states, are some of the same issues that others are facing in other countries. Learning about issues of other countries gives one several different insights such as, a new way of thinking about the issue, examining the cause of the issue, and looking further into ways to eliminate the issue all together.  These are three consequences that come from learning about issues and trends that may be going on in other countries.

One goal for this field would be to find a common ground that would allow everyone to post and share their ideas about certain issues.  Grant it there are several sites and podcasts for one to join, but if their was local committees and groups for people to join to discuss several different issues I believe that would work as well.

Issues at My Center

Issue of quality I believe should be a concern of all centers.  At my center, our biggest focusing on being able to relate and communicate with our Hispanic students.  We have a lot of Spanish speaking students with only two  Spanish speaking teachers.  So sometimes it is hard for us to effectively communicate.  However, we know that in order for our center to be one of quality we must work on this issue.

As for as professional development, training is offered once a month through our agency.  For the teachers that have not obtain a degree, the agency will pay for their schooling.

My ultimate professional goal is to open my own learning care facility for at-risk students.  I want to be able to help my students see that they are bigger than any circumstance that they may encounter.  This is important to me, because often times at-risk students fall between the cracks and I want to ensure that all students have the same opportunity to achieve greatness.