When I Think of Research...

Before this class started I was thinking I was not going to enjoy doing this. After the first couple of classes, I still had the same feeling. When trying to come up with a research topic, I was getting nowhere because everything was too narrow. After doing several assignments done and readings, I started to get the hang of things. I like the idea of research in early childhood education because we want to make sure we are giving children all we can to help them succeed. By doing research you can learn in what ways children respond to the most. This will in the long run help the children, but also help you to better assist them and their parents.What I did gain from this class was the different ways to conduct research. When I was working on my research I used the mixed method research design. I conducted interviews, used questioners, and did observations.

Research Around the World

I looked at the web site http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php. On this site is a program that was a little similar to what we are doing here at Walden University. They give you outlines of your courses that are required, and they are even offered online. These include: recognizing the strengths and expertise that exist locally and regionally; incorporating these ‘voices’ and experiences into the learning process; promoting sustainable, interactive networks that reach rural as well as urban populations; and using computer technology as a means for developing strong information and communication systems within Africa. The classes are offered online. During the courses they have different projects that must be complete that gear to helping children in the community and their families. The classes will help the teachers gain the right approach to dealing with children and their education.

Research that Benefits Children and Families

One of my co- workers allows her daughter to partake in a research project in our area that promotes different kid friendly foods and drinks. In the groups there are children from ages 1-13, and they are given different foods or drinks to try. During the test they look at the facial expressions of the children as they are trying the items, and make notations to their reactions. At the end they will ask them questions to get their opinion on what they just tried. They then collect the data from what they just gathered and you it to determine what their next product will be. At the end of the research each child is offered $30 for participating.

I like this kind of research because children are not being harmed or judged. This is seeing what child prefers to eat or drink. This way there is not right or wrong answer just an opinion.