When I think of Research

This course has truly tested me! Learning the research process was rewarding and exciting. I feel like there is so much more to learn on this subject. Last week  I called my best friend's daughter( who happens to be a librarian), to see if she could locate any good books on mixed methods, qualitative  and quantitative research designs. I do not want to stop here(last day of class). Now let me make something clear. Through this course and all of the assignments, I know for certain, atleast at this time in my life, I am not going to be conducting any research studies; however, I will continue to utilize all of the prior research findings on early childhood education, to be the best early childhood teacher, and avocate I can be. I learned research takes lots of strategic planning. The process range from choosing a topic, to research ethics. I also learned how important it is to choose the right research approach( qualitative, quantitative, and mix methods). Research studies can be completed in a short period of time, or a very long period of time.  I have a greater respect and appreciation for those who have invested so much time, money, and energy, in conducting research, related to the field of early education. I would like to thank our instructor( Dr. Pickens), all of our colleagues, and those who have invested in the field early education, and committed their lives for the cause of those, who can't always defend themselves( young citizens). 

Good luck,
Magretta        

Research around the World

This week, I visited “Early Childhood Australia, A voice for young children” website. The website provided a wealth of information about young children, and the early childhood field. Information on the web went from the Code of Ethics to Resource Themes. I decided to choose Australian’s recent research article, written in Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, concerning the minimal funding provided to early education, young children, and their families. I had no idea; their struggles with funding resembled that of the U.S. In the May 14, 2013 article, the author expressed her concerns with the lack of funding available to support the idea that all children deserve and should be provided with quality care. There was also a concern about the parent’s inability to pay for quality care. Over the past forty years, research results has proven all of the wonderful positive results of quality early education programs, which left the writer disappointed that government funding was not enough to provide families with tuition assistance.  The writer also expressed her frustration with the minimal salary of early educators. It is pretty sad that early educators all over the world are seen as unimportant. We work hard to make a difference in the lives of young children! Change is coming!!!