When I think of Research

           I have gained so much knowledge from this course. My perspective on research has changed for the better. I no longer stress when I think about research but have a better perspective on the process and the different kinds of studies. I have gained insight about the purpose of research is not to necessarily prove your hypothesis right but find out what the information gathered tells you. I learned that the critical parts of research are planning and designing the study and being clear about what the expectations and how the study will be executed. Some challenges when doing when doing research in early childhood is confidentiality when doing a sensitive topic that may expose saddening information; a way I met this challenge was by outlining in the informed consent the legal limitations regarding confidentiality.  My perception of an early childhood professional has changed into the idea that we are al researchers and that any one of us is capable of doing or own research.  I am very pleased with how this course turned out and any preconceptions I had diminished.

Research Around the World

               The Early Childhood Australia looks to be working towards similar goals as the U.S. when it comes to advances in early childhood education. As I look through their website I found one of their organizations called KidsMatter Early Childhood that works on behalf of young children and their families to provide support and care to families affected my mental health. KidsMatter points out the research that states that early experiences affect long-term mental-health, relationships, and learning. Something I learned from this website is their method to language development called the Code; the Code is a computer program children use to help with language development. It was interesting to look at this website and see similar initiative surrounding Early Childhood Education as ones in the U.S. It is refreshing to see that we are not alone in the things that we advocate for children.

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/