When I Think of Research

…I think of progress.  I think of a promising future for all of humanity.  I think of acceptance.  I think of reason.  I think of life.

While I have experienced scientifically based research in a scientifically based forum, I have never experienced research that I have held such high stakes in.  I have not previously researched humanity.  The last eight weeks have exposed me to challenges and obstacles that I was previously unfamiliar with.  I have been forced to refine my skills to a degree that I never knew was possible, but for what better reason than for our future. 

I am now aware of methodology which not only respects research dynamics, but also those of human beings and their individuality.  I have been put in a position to consider aspects of humanity, research methodology, and early childhood practicality in ways that blend them all into one topic of focus which intends to bring about positive change.

I have learned that true research must include elements of quantitative and qualitative design while remaining relevant and valid.  This is a difficult task when considering that there are so many factors that may influence the accuracy of data collection; such as, homogeneity, power struggles, deficit models, and personal bias and background (MacNaughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  It is our duty as early childhood professionals to ensure that the well-being of children and their families is maintained while still striving to make a difference in this ever-changing society.   We must believe that our seemingly insurmountable tasks will eventually lead to rewards through which we will be fueled to move forward even further. 

In developing my own research initiative, I encountered my own difficulties.  I experienced great difficulty in narrowing down my topic of study to a degree that allowed for the most effective and accurate accumulation of data, while meeting the criteria feasible according to budget and time allowances.  I now realize that my mere presence in a classroom may affect the collection of data.  I also must accept the fact that there may be power struggles that exist beneath even the most well planned programs.  Through the comments of my instructor and my colleagues I was able to see things from differing perspectives, which led me to my final design.  I am thankful to you all! 

Overall, I have learned that my development as an early childhood professional will never be complete.  My work over the last eight weeks has taught me a great deal about the research aspect of early childhood studies.  What I have realized just today is that my passion is in ensuring that every child is offered the supports which suit them best.  After attending PTA meetings, Open Houses, and family reunions, I was reassured that I have the capability to help many, with the appropriate application.  I have guided families toward programs, individuals, professionals, and community outreach opportunities where they can find essential resources.  Ultimately, I have learned that I can make a difference, and that every time I do I rekindle my passion for the prosperity of positive early childhood experiences.  

 

References

MacNaughton, G. Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I., (2010). Doing early childhood research:        International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY:  McGraw-Hill.

Research Around the World

Establishing contact with an early childhood professional from Australia during my last class prompted me to further investigate the resources available there.  I chose to research Early Childhood Australia to determine what current research is underway concerning Early Childhood conditions on the other side of the planet.  Our nations share several ideologies, accomplishments, and struggles.  What I learned was that current mentioned research evidenced what my contact had shared with me concerning conditions for the field that were relevant to her personally. 

This year alone, there have been several inquiries made regarding budgeting issues and the National Quality Framework by which they base their curriculum and practice methodologies.  Additional areas of concern and current research include affordable quality education and care, online safety, and immigration which area also key concerns in the United States.  Further research is being conducted regarding self-destructive and suicidal behaviors among children, and grandparents as primary caregivers. 

This organization is comparable to NAEYC, which is the leading resource for Early Childhood matters here in the United States.  Both websites are set up similarly, offering broad general information as well as sections dedicated to news and media, parent resources, educator resources, and membership opportunities.  Similarly, both institutions value integrity, collaboration, leadership, and inclusiveness with shared positive visions for the future of young children.

I don’t know that I would say that our similarities surprised me, but I did find one difference that I would like to mention.  It seems to me that in Australia, the Aboriginal and Indigenous people are regarded much differently than in the United States.  I do not know the history of the country, or how things occur daily, but it seems like the issues of native peoples are considered in a greater perspective than we consider Native American populations.  It may be that we are more greatly influenced by immigrant populations or that issues are entirely different, but it is something I plan to investigate further. 

I am grateful that organizations with the intention of improving early childhood conditions exist worldwide.  It will be through the global collaboration and development of “best” practice and methodology that the greatest strides will be made.  The continuing research within the field indicates that there is great hope for the future.  I am happy to say that I am a part of such a caring and ambitious group of professionals.  

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

Uplifting Research Outcomes--Benefits to Families

I have been a supporter of stem cell research for quite some time.  Nearly eight years ago, the son of a friend of mine was diagnosed with Batten Disease.  Batten Disease is an autosomal recessive (needing the defective, recessive genes of both parents), neurodegenerative condition, which is not preventable or curable at this time.  Batten Disease is diagnosed in childhood and follows a typical progression of mental impairment, worsening seizures, and a progressive loss of sight and motor skills.  At age 5, my friend’s son was unable to be potty trained, and was considered legally blind.  He suffered tremendous social-emotional delays and struggled tremendously as changes were occurring so frequently, he had little time or ability to process them.  He was eventually enrolled in a special needs school where he did well, and he currently attends public school in his town and does well there, but the family’s life will never be easy.  He just celebrated his tenth birthday, but his condition has continued to worsen and odds are he will never become a teenager.  There are several research projects underway to attempt to learn more about the characteristics of the disease, whether or not it can be detected through prenatal screenings, improved treatments, and hopefully an eventual cure.  (www.bdsra.org)

Research projects have helped countless families battling seemingly insurmountable odds.  One such organization, of which I am a member is ViaCord.  Their research involves the stem cells collected from the umbilical cords of newborns.  Currently, their initiatives have shown benefit in the treatment possibilities for eighty known diseases.  This is double the potential of only three years ago.  While the topic of stem cell research can rouse many feelings and opinions, I feel as though the possibility of aiding in the treatment of a multitude of life-threatening conditions makes it highly valuable.  (www.viacord.com)

Both of these organizations provide countless stories and testimonials by families who have direct experience with medical research involving children and families.   It is through the sharing of stories, continued research proposals, and humans in need that great discoveries are made.  The insatiable quest for knowledge,  rigorous ethics standards and continuous collaboration of researchers and governmental organizations across the globe allows us to reap many of the benefits we take for granted today.  I hope that my story has, at the very least, invoked an appreciation for the efforts of researchers and given you yet another lens through which to view the bigger picture.

Narrowing it Down

After further contemplating my proposed research topics for the next several weeks, I have chosen to study the correlation between negative classroom behaviors and the amount of physical outlets of energy provided during the typical care/school day.  In conjunction with the knowledge that hands-on exploratory experiences are often the most well absorbed in regards to learning and the theory that children need at least an hour of physical activity built into their days, I believe that the rise in a more “structured” day without the outlet for physical energy has caused an increase in negative behaviors among young children.  It is my thought that as we struggle to attain high national expectations regarding education these days, we have taken away so many of the practices that work best when teaching children.  It is my hope to bring the natural, hands-on element back into the classroom, which should reduce stress levels for instructors, children, and their families, and also allow for greater absorption of required material by learners. 

By studying the correlation between behavior and physical expression, I hope to provide a base line for further research on the topics.  My study will be more broad-based, which can eventually lead to a dissection of behaviors among narrower age groups.   Further studies can also included the home and community elements regarding physical experiences outside of the school day. 

In the short time I have been completing this simulation, I have already encountered some roadblocks, including the amount of material available for study, deciphering between worthy sources, and digging deep to figure out what I hope to gain from my experiences and trials.  I enjoy the research process, but have always had a difficult time limiting myself, as I tend to want to include as much as possible.  I foresee this as being one of the greatest challenges for me.  I am excited to learn how others view my proposals and hope to learn a great deal from everyone’s experiences.  I look forward to working constructively with others to strengthen our research methodology and take greater strides toward improving early childhood efforts.

Research as the next step

As I take the next step in my journey, I want to wish all of my colleagues the best of luck.  Increasing the effectiveness of my research strategies is something that I look forward to.  I also hope to be able to utilize my background in the Biological Sciences to aid others on their quest.  I am hoping that not only will this new knowledge help me to become more successful in my profession, but also will allow me to better serve the children and families I have and will become privileged to work with.

Final Thoughts...for now.

I knew that studying current Issues and Trends in the field of Early Childhood would be fulfilling, but I never would have guessed the roller coaster of emotions I have felt during this course, how much new knowledge I have gained, and how conflicted I would find myself as I pushed deeper and deeper into each issue.

The concept of developing international contacts was one that I likely would not have attempted on my own.  It was a struggle, but I can say that I am pleased with the outcome.  First off, simply determining who I wished to contact seemed difficult, but once I began making contacts, the choices were made for me.  I was surprised to see just how many people from a wide variety of countries were interested in also making contact with me.  The greatest struggle is in the waiting to hear from the other professionals, even in this day and age of superior technology.

The discoveries I made internationally were quite interesting.  While many of us share the same set of values and goals for the field, we also are up against many of the same roadblocks.  It is refreshing and disheartening all the same.  Most of all, it is unsettling to know that while we all understand that we must build up the next generation if we are ever to sustain our nations, they are the first to face hardship, cutbacks, and misrepresentation among politician and big business in most industrialized nations. 

I was also quite challenged by the notion that while Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, they are living an extremely different life on the island.  While it can be understood that they may not receive full representation within our country, I never would have believed the disparity of aid they do receive from us, even though some of it seems to be at the will of their own individual government.

I hope to maintain and strengthen the contacts I have made in hopes that a continued sharing of information will lead, not only to a greater understanding of global early childhood issues, but also in a greater ability for all parties to feel more comfortable sharing their concerns.  Perhaps if we all placed the same value system to our own professional development that we expect of the children and families we work with, we will be able to establish an open forum for creating the change in the field of early childhood that is so desperately needed.

I wish each and every one of my colleagues and professional connections nothing but the best in their quest to improve themselves, the field, and the lives of children and families.

Words from Around the World

I never thought that my experience reaching out internationally would be so difficult yet rewarding all at the same time.  Although I never had a “pen pal” as a child, I can now imagine the anticipation of waiting for the next letter.  I check my email and message center feverishly in hopes of more information.  This week had some highs and lows.  I did finally receive a brief response from my contact in Puerto Rico regarding poverty struggles, and managed to make two new connections, which added two more countries to the mix.  I have now made contact with representatives of Puerto Rico, Australia, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Scotland, and two other American women who have seen great success in the field.  Unfortunately, it is not always easy getting a fluent conversation going across the miles. 

While I still hope to get responses from those I reached out to, I will share a few tidbits of what previous responses have offered me.

In Puerto Rico, my contact reiterated that conditions are bleak for many of their residents.  Their struggle lies furthermore, in the fact that due to they are a territory of the United States their representation is different.  Global agencies working with the US do not always consider the unique needs of Puerto Rico or even provide services to them because of their status.  While they do receive some federal and local governmental support, they must also rely heavily on citizen driven, non-profit, volunteer workforces or NGO’s (non-governmental organizations).

In Australia, my contact wholeheartedly believes in the ELYF (Early Learning Years Framework) under which they currently operate, but fears the day that big business and political concerns overshadow the field resulting in big changes.   Due to their ELYF implementation , they were able to reduce teacher: child ratios and prioritize early care quality over profits.  She inferred that if the government there ever removed the current system in favor of one that took away some of the beneficial, family/child oriented policies, that would be the day that she closed her doors for good and walked away.  While I can guess from her passion that this would not actually be the case, I can relate to her frustration and comforted a bit by the fact that we share many of the same struggles.