When
I think of Research…
When I think of research, I think
about a scientific investigation. Research is a process of collecting and
analyzing information to increase our understanding of the phenomenon under
study (Mac Naughton, Rolfe & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). I have learned that
research gives early childhood practitioners and policy makers’ essential
knowledge to use in making decisions on behalf of young children and their
families.
When planning and conducting
research in early childhood, it is important to think about ethics-risks
benefits. Methodological and ethical issues involving children must take
certain issues unto consideration, such as informed consent and the
confidentiality of data. There are three ethical issues in relation to conducting
research with children. They are power relations, informed consent and
confidentiality.
A challenge I encountered was
deciding on a topic for research. I met this challenge through conducting
research about early childhood development and reading early childhood journal
articles. Ideas of doing research were applied to solve questions that I had
about children early learning experiences. I was able to relate it to everyday
life as an Early Childhood Manager for a Head Start program.
As a result of this course my
perception about the early childhood field has been enhanced. There is a great
wealth of literature on early childhood development. Topics allow the early
childhood professional and researchers to examine links between schooling and
academic environment and the child’s overall development as well as more
specific aspects of growth and learning.
I like to thank my colleagues for
their insights about research competencies. I look forward to continuing this
journey with each of you.
Reference
Mac Naughton, 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.
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