When I Think Of Research

Coming to the end of this course, I have learned a lot about the importance of research and what makes research studies valid.  I also found the three different types of triangulation very interesting.  With research, it is very important to make sure to include a variety of information from different sources and different professionals and individuals.  This will make your study the most valid.  The last thing that I have gained is the importance of qualitative vs. quantitative research.  Each of these research types entails different types of information that needs to be acquired.

Before this class, I had never really done any research on early childhood topics.  I also did not break down the aspects that are included in a research study.  My views have changed in nature in the fact that I know that there are two sides to every study, and it is very important to use the information of different sources and individuals to make it the most valid.  I also did not realize that there is a lot of biased out there on any topic.

The most important thing I learned about was the planning of research in the early childhood field.  The planning is very important when considering a research study.  It is important to know what type of research you are going to conduct.  I chose to focus on direct observation and interviews.  There is preparation that needs to be done before you interview an individual.  The interviewer needs to make sure that they make sure they know everything is confidential and also that the interviewee needs to feel comfortable.

I did not face any challenges.  There is a lot of information that is out there regarding my topic, which is play.  The only challenge that I may have encountered would be the cultural differences and backgrounds.  I would have made sure to communicate and make sure that the children's families felt comfortable.

The one way that my perceptive has changed of the early childhood profession is that there are many different ways that are effective to conduct research.  You get your best results from varying the types of research.

Research Around the World

This week I chose to focus on the website titled: "Early Childhood Development Virtual University Sub-Saharan Africa.  This university focuses on the ECD capacity and also the leadership development in Africa.  There are also several different organizations tat support this university.  

There are several different international topics that this university focuses on.  One of the most important topics is related to curriculum in schools.  This university develops curriculum in the schools based upon the resources that they have in Africa.  Also, this university has created several different masters programs.  Another topic is related to involving fathers in their child's education.  Another topic that is focused on through this university is providing care for children that are in Uganda that are 8 years old or younger that have been diagnosed with HIV/AIDs.  There are several other topics that this university focuses on, but the last topic I will explain is focusing on the quality of child care.

The surprising fact that I gained from reading through this site was the issue of HIV/AIDs in Uganda, especially in children that are 8 years or older.  It was very interesting and devastating to here that children this young have to suffer through these horrifying diseases.  Another noteworthy piece of information that I found interesting is that this university is really focusing on how to increase leadership in the schools around Africa.