When I Think of Research...

I just want to start out by saying thank you to all of my classmates and Professor Parrish.  I have enjoyed this research class much more than I ever could have expected.  Something that has really stood out to me about research throughout this course is the fact that in order to do your own research, it is so important to have a clear and refined research question.  I have enjoyed my research simulation, and had refined my question multiple times, but I still feel that it could have been refined to make it even more understanding and impacting on the field.  Before when I would think about research, it always seemed to sound kind of dreadful, but I have come to realize that when you are researching something that is a passion of yours, it can become enjoyable.  I never could have seen myself in a career doing mostly research, and though I still have a long way to go before I would feel comfortable in a research field, I can definitely see it as a possibility for me.  It has been so helpful to be able to learn more fully all of the components that come with research.  I feel that one reason research can seem so daunting is because there is so much work and steps that need to be considered, but no research would be successful if it weren't for every process that is required in research studies. I am grateful for the knowledge and confidence that this class has given me and feel that it will benefit me in any way I choose to go as an early childhood professional.

Research Around the World

I chose to learn more about the Early Childhood Australia website and find out what is happening in Australia.  The reason that this website stood out to me, is because it is the Australian equivalent to the U.S. based NAEYC.  Currently, research is being done on supporting early childhood care and education teachers who work with children with complex additional needs, including: disability, significant development delay, and complex social, emotional, and behavioral needs.

 I really enjoyed reviewing their Code of Ethics and finding similarities to NAEYC's Code of Ethics.  Something that I found interesting was that in addition to how we treat children, families, colleagues, and community, Early Childhood Australia also has ethics regarding students, employer, myself as a professional, and conduct of research.  I realized that other countries care as much as we do about ethics regarding work with children and we can even use what other countries believe in addition to our own ideas.

There was also a section of this website called Parent Resources that I felt were a great addition.  It included four sections that included: children's health and nutrition, separation anxiety, sleeping, and transitions to school.  Each had helpful information explaining the topic and talking about what could be done to help children struggling with any of these.  This is a website that I can see myself referring to and feel it is an important tool for people in Australia, as well as people around the world.