When I Think of Research.....

The insights I have gained about research from taking this course is that there is a lot of work and effort that goes into doing research, and a lot of information obtain as a result of it.  I am glad that I learned how to look for reputable information when doing research, and how to determine what makes a research study more valid.

My ideas about doing research haven't changed much.  I still think it's a complicated process that requires special people to do it, but I don't think I'm one of those people.  I will be willing to read the results, but I don't think I want to be the one doing the actual research.

The lessons I learned is to make sure that you are researching a topic that you are interested in, and to develop the research questions thoroughly in order to be able to move forward with the next steps of the research process.  One challenge I encountered was that my research questions was initially too broad and it hindered me from moving on with the next steps in the research process.  I am glad I have some excellent feedback during this class that helped me to sort out the steps that were the most challenging for me.

My perceptions have been modified because I have gained a new respect for the people that do research.  I understand that there is a definite need for research in order to find answers to important questions that will benefit the early childhood field, as well as, many other areas.  I'm glad there are those out there who are committed to doing research in order to provide others with a better understanding of the various questions of this world.

Thanks to everyone for being so supportive during this course.  I hope you all have gained a better understanding of the research process.  Good luck in the future!!!

Research Around the World

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is committed to  improving the quality of life for children and their families in Africa.  Their efforts are continent wide efforts with ECD leaders addressing capacity building and leadership development in Africa.


Some of the current research topics include: Leadership skills training for administrators and parent support training for caregivers, 2) Curriculum development  using community resources, 3)Strengthening the capacity of grandparents in providing care for children less than 8 years old affected by HIV/AIDS, 4)Assessment of interaction and stimulation in single parent low income families, 5)Involving fathers in early childhood care and development.


Insights about early childhood from exploring this international early childhood site:  ECDVU uses a generative curriculum approach. Some characteristics of this approach is 1)learner-focused approach which is drawing as much as possible on the learner's experiences in their personal and professional lives 2)ecological approach-placing individuals, programs and policies into an interactive and dynamic context and seeking to plan activities and interventions to maximize resonating impact throughout the larger ecology 3) capacity building approach-aiming to strategically strengthen the capacities of participants to effectively fulfill their mandates in their professional position and to be accountable to their constituents and the broader ECD community in their countries.  Although most education activities claim this a general purpose, the ECDVU addresses capacity development in a specific strategic manner.


-ECDVU sees great potential in leadership capacity building through face to face interviews, on the job learning, web-based learning and network building.
-ECDVU candidates were chosen by their country committees as emergent leaders to function as key interactors within  and outside their countries.  Participation in ECDVU is an investment in improving the well being of children, families, and communities in their countries.  Participants are evaluated in terms of their effectiveness in moving forward 'agendas for children' in their countries.   






http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

I worked with a family with a special needs foster child for about five years.  The child was a former student at a child development center were I worked, and when the family needed assistance with his care, they contacted me to see if I would be interested in helping part time.  He was diagnosed with shaken baby syndrome, along other neurological complications as a result of being shaken.  He couldn't walk or talk and he had seizures back to back, ranging from very small to very severe.  He had to wear a helmet because often times the severe seizures would cause him to bang his head on the floor. 
I remember all the times he had to have this or that procedure done or the doctors keep switching the medicines to help control the seizures.  For years nothing seem to help, until finally, the doctors got the medicines and doses right.  We begin to see the seizures decrease and, eventually stop altogether.  He begin to crawl and became more away of his environment.  He also begin to express his wants, likes and dislikes, and he was able to recognize familiar people.
Last year he begin walking at the age of nine years old, and he continues to meet new goals.  Although, he still can not speak, he has defeated all the odds thus far, so I'm looking for him to blurt out any day now.
I believe that continued research for treatments of neurological disorders is why this child continues to thrive and progress daily. The procedures and treatments that were questionable at the time, proved to help him progress in his growth and development. This is definitely one of those case where research has benefited this child and family, and now the same research can help many other children and families.

Personal Reseach Journey

The topic I chose is autism in preschool age children, and I chose this topic because I believe it is important for early childhood educators to know the signs and system of a child who may have autism in order to prevent the child from being labeled as having behavior problems.  A more personal reason that I chose this topic is because I have friends with a child that exhibits some of the symptoms of autism, and I want to be able to assist them in learning as much as possible about the causes of autism, as well as, what they can do to help their child.

I am glad that we are learning to determine which research is quality so that I will be able to collect information to share that is correct and that will help educators and parents make the best decisions for children. 

I would appreciate it if anyone has any ideas and/or suggestions that will help me pull together reputable and useful information that will be valuable to children and families.

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

As we come to the close of another eight weeks, I would like to thank everyone for being so supportive during the class.  I have really enjoyed reading your points of view, your stories and experiences throughout this class, as well as the previous classes.  I hope that each of you are able to reach your goals and of completing this program and beginning new life and work experiences.
Thank you for all the sharing and may God continue to bless you as you move forward!!

Adjourning

I believe groups where you develop the most relationships/friendships are the hardest to leave.  I've participated in several conferences where we were worked together for several days.  We worked together during the day to accomplish certain goals, and then we came together after hours to socialize and unwind.  We usually spend our last night together having dinner and drinks and maybe even attending a party.  We also make sure to exchange phone numbers and/email addresses in order to stay in touch.

I hope to adjourn from the colleagues I formed while working on this master's degree with email address and/or numbers so that we can keep in touch.  I would love to keep in touch with everyone in order to continue networking and building relationships.  Ideally, I wish we could all meet at graduation, and then get together to celebrate afterwards, but I know this will not be possible for everyone.

Adjourning is an essential stage of teamwork because it allows opportunities to reflect on the experiences learned and shared while in a group.  It also allows opportunities to say goodbye or continue to maintain the relationships/friendship that have been established during the group.


O’Hair, D., & Wiemann, M. (2009). Real communication. New York: Bedford/St. Martin’s

Strategies for Resolving Conflicts

I don't allow myself to become involved in conflicts so that is actually my first strategy for avoiding conflict all together.  In the past, I have find it easy to get involved in a conflict with others, but now I find it so much more satisfying and rewarding to avoid it all together.  I'm at a point in my life that I don't let too many things upset me, so I choose to avoid and/or ignore the things that have the potential to cause a disagreement.
Another strategy that I find useful is being straight forward and honest with people from the start.  I've found over the years that people respect you more for being up front with them and it avoids any conflict when you are not afraid to say whats on your mind, but respectfully.

If I every come to a disagreement with someone, it will usually be something very minor because I rarely have the time energy to get into anything else.  I am willing to compromise and look for solutions rather to let the situation escalate.  I always try to listen and respect what others have to say, and I will let them know it is something that doesnt't sit will with me without it turning into a disagreement.