When I Think of Research...

In the course of Building Research Competencies, my knowledge and understanding about research had definitely been deepened. I have learned how to find reliable resources, narrow my general research topic of choice down to related subtopics, and also, gained knowledge about the terms and concepts used in the research process.

My ideas about the nature of research has changed because now I realize there is alot of information you need to know in regard to understanding research in early childhood. As with any research, there are risks of doing research involving children and their families.

I did encounter some challenges in understanding research in this course. In order for research to be informative, ethical, meaningful, persuasive, and significant, researchers have to follow the proper steps from selecting a topic to drawing conclusions. I found out throughout this course that learning about the process of formatting these steps can be challenging as I began to develop my research study outline.

My perceptions of an early childhood professional has been modified by understanding and evaluating research. Research today is greatly needed in order for advocates to seek out for the improvement in the early childhood field.

I would like to thank Dr. DiSpagna and all my colleagues for the support and helpful information shared throughout this course. I'm looking forward to gaining more knowledge and understanding of early childhood as I continue to work on obtaining my Master's Degree in early childhood studies.

Research Around the World

The international website I chose to explore was Early Childhood Australia. Early Childhood Australia advocates to ensure quality, social justice and equity in all issues relating to the education and care of children from birth to age eight.

On their website, they have a "Research in Practice Series (RIPS)", which is a practical, easy-to-read resource that offers effective new approaches for challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children.

Early Childhood Australia have a wide range of topics for anyone interested in children's early year. Listed below are some of the current international research topics in the Research in Practice Series that I found to be interesting, but there are many more available.

• Respecting diversity: Articulation early childhood practice
• Learning and teaching through play
• The Early Years Learning Framework:  Building confident learners
• The Early Years Learning Framework:  Getting started
• Nurturing the spiritual child:  Compassion, connection and a sense of self
• Portfolios: Documenting a journey
• Treasures and collections: A touch of magic in the early years
• Diversity and difference:  Lighting the spirit of identity
• Young children as active learners

One of the surprising facts about early childhood I gained from exploring this international early childhood website was their topic on "Learning and teaching through play" by Anne Kennedy and Lennie Barblett. I was interested in this topic because the importance of play in early childhood growth and development is my chosen research simulation. This book will assist educators to examine their understanding of play and how play-based approaches require intentional planning and teaching in order to support and extend children's learning. Therefore, this book will definitely be an resource that will contribute to my research simulation.

Early Childhood Australia also offers the Early Years Learning Framework Professional Learning Program with resources and workshops, and so much more that will contribute to their mission for being a voice for young children.

For additional information, visit their website at:
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/