When I think of research....

I have gained insights about research from taking this course. I have learned about different research methods. I have learned that research can be done in different ways. My ideas about doing research has changed. Research is like doing a science experiment. You have a certain procedure and method to follow with the research. I learned lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research. You need to consider what is the best way or method to use in your research based on what you are researching and how you plan to conduct the research. Some of the challenges I encountered with this class was understanding the textbook. I used the dictionary to help me understand the terms and the text better. My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this class. Professionals doing research spend a lot of time researching. Researchers are constantly researching, collecting, and analyzing data. I did not realize how much time and thought researchers spend on researching and the research process.
Thank you to all my colleagues for the support and ideas you have shared with me during this course. I feel we have all learned a lot during this course about research.

Research Around the World

I chose to explore the Early Childhood Australia website. I found some of the current topics to be the cost of childcare, funding programs, best practices, transitions, technology, and being culturally competent. Some of the ideas that I gained had to do with the article I looked at about transitions. The article game information about how to tell if your child is ready for school. These included: language skills, physical well-being, motor coordination skills, emotional adjustment and concentration, and independence. It also gave a list of activities parents can do with their child at home. I was glad to see it listed emotional adjustment in the list. I feel this is an area where some children still need a lot of maturing to do even after pre-k. I found the website to be a noteworthy site full of information on education in Australia. One could easily compare it with the United States or other places.
Resources
www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/