When I Think of Research...
 
During the past 8 weeks of Building Research and Competencies, I have learned a wealth of knowledge concerning the research design process.  There were many new insights that I had no knowledge of, but became familiar with the concepts that would help conduct a research study. I was able to familiarize the differences between quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods approach. I've learned the various types of the triangulation process that helps to validate a research study. Topics such as ethics and many other approaches which all helped me to understand the process. 

My ideas about research has changed tremendously.  I had no idea about the amount of time and effort that goes into initiating and formulating a study. Learning step by step methods and approaches in bringing the study altogether from beginning to end. There are so many check and balances that need to be measured and so many ways to try to prove the methods for accuracy.

I've have learned valuable approaches in the planning, designing, conducting and most importantly the relationship connection which is so important. My biggest challenge was actually narrowing my research question down during the two weeks that required us to find a quantitative and qualitative question regarding our topic.  Each week I found myself refining and changing my question.  I like the fact that my classmates were able to provide feedback and also helped me to see my question and their approach from a different perspective.
 
Some of the ways that my perception of an early childhood professional have been modified as  a result of this course is that I have learned to see research in a different light.  I know that I am required to remain open and as a life-long learner in the field of early childhood.  As a professional, in my everyday world I have to intently think about and stay abreast of the various issues and trends that impact the early childhood field in terms of research and more. 

 I  would like to say thank you to all of my colleagues who participated in this group and a big thank you to Dr. Parrish who challenged us and pushed us to think beyond the research process during these past 8 weeks of class. 

                                                  
 RESEARCH AROUND THE WORLD

This week's Blog Assignment required that we navigate through several international Early Childhood websites that were of interest. I selected, the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). This organization is said to be the largest international early childhood organization and is comparable to that of the National Accreditation for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). 
In review of the site, some of the current international topics I found were topics that talked about, gender differences and the male/female roles in early childhood education, the use of technology with children under five years of age, video observations of children's perspectives on their lived experiences and challenges in relationships between researcher and children, scaffolding and how to increase development and also articles on the influence of children and play. Their website offers a host of journals filled with research articles in early childhood and development. 
     Some surprising facts that I've gleaned is that the organization offers authors the opportunity to have their work published and read. Information that is posted and archived on the international site is selective and is one of four early years journal indexed by the Institute for Scientific Information.
     Other noteworthy information I found on the website is that the site offers a section titled "Special Issues" or monographs. This link offers archived articles that focus on topics or developments in the early childhood field such as:
    1). up-to-date overview of current knowledge and developments in the field, and an evaluation of relevant empirical studies
    2). presentation of new developments, applications or policy implications.
    3). the development of new research methodology

These topics all provide insight on new developments within the early childhood field within an international scope. In addition, the site offers other information regarding various cultural differences that affect many ethnicities and many countries. 

References:

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (2015). Retrieved from,

         http://www.eecera.org/journal/