FINAL BLOG ASSIGNMENT- When I Think of Research.......

 

I have learned great insights about research from taking this course of study. Research develops a guideline system in order to solve and/or understand different problems. It begins as a search for finding answers to questions in order to make better sense of a subject. Research is an extensive investigation into a matter in order to discover facts and truth.

My ideas about the nature of doing research have not changed; however, it has broadened and expanded throughout the period of completing this class. I believe that it is important to implement a starting point, so that further investigation may be completed. In my opinion, I feel as though research is very compatible in regards to young children, their families, and people who care about their well-being. Research provides new knowledge and understanding to issues that exist in the world today.

It is crucial to develop needed information in order to refrain from making the research extremely flawed. Following a guideline in order to plan, design, and conduct research in the early childhood field is vital. I have learned that research is more effectively achieved once facts and/or data is collected. Researchers must stay away from making assumptions or having negative views about individuals and/or groups before gathering accurate facts, because may cause the research to lose its validity and value.

Before completing this course, it was challenging to understand what parts of a research article could be skipped over and what needs to be studied in order to understand what the article is about. Once I discovered and learned a proper way to read research articles, I found it easier to read and understand the information and I was able to conserve time spent on the information obtained as well.

My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course. It is vital that we become persistent learners; because the field of education is forever changing, and one great way to stay aware of how children grow and thrive is discovering facts through research. I believe that research will provide an opportunity for educators to master new skills in order to better serve young children in the educational field.

As this course comes to an end, I would like to thank my colleagues for their support, comments, and encouraging words throughout this course. Your professional groundwork and commitment has shaped and embedded my success in this field of study. Thank you and good luck to you all.

 

Research Around the World

                      

           I chose to research Early Childhood Development Virtual University, (ECDVU), in Sub-Saharan Africa.  It is transparent that early childhood research is being conducted worldwide, and the common goal is to improve the quality of life for children and their families. ECDVU seeks to accomplish this goal by working with other leaders from across the globe.

Some of the current international research topics that grasped my eye are;

-Development of a Model Framework for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in their Early Years in Ghana

-Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families in Malawi

-Improving the Quality of Childcare through Parenting Enrichment and Training of Trainers: The Eritrean Model

-Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development in Nigeria

         I researched the article by Rosemary Hua, Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development.  I was surprised to learn that men have little to do with young children. Nyerere (1998) reported that cultural norms that affect fathers’ participation in childcare practices could affect development and the general well-being of children, including the quality of family life. The objective of this study is to investigate the current roles of fathers and explore ways to increase the involvement of fathers and other males in childcare (ECDVU).

This fact is surprising to me because I have gained great insight in regards to the need of father’s taking an active role in their children development as well. Society views it as the women’s responsibility to care for a young child; however, this situation is being created by cultural norms. When both parents bring up children, they thrive better (Hua, 1986).

 

Reference

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/majorreports.php

Hua, R. (1986). Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development.  A Project Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of masters of Arts in the School of Child and Youth Care, Faculty of Human and Social Development. M.Ed., University of Jos, Nigeria, 1986.