WEEK:8 Building Research Competencies 6163

When I think of Research....

When I think of research I envision research being essential for all young children, families and the people in the early childhood community.  Research gives us all a sense of what can thrive and what may not be so successful. 

I gained great insight from an article that I have read from the National Association of the Education of Young Children, when stated that “children benefit from research when it is used appropriately and thoughtfully.” 

I have learned from this course that there are “many different types 

of research”, (Mac Naughton 2010) and research can give unique 

information and knowledge about certain questions, concerns, and 

decisions that need to be made on behalf of  a study involving 

young children and their families.

Challenges that I may encounter while continuing to 

learn about research is the constant changes involving 

research studies and the evolving issues and trends.  

Staying current with valuable research is essential and can 

be challenging if the information is constantly changing.  I 

have learned that  when it comes to learning about research I 

will need to stay current with information regarding the young 

children and families in their community and 

“use research as a professional advantage to help and support others.”

I have learned that, “studying research and doing research 

encourages people to explore possibilities, to understand 

existing issues, and to reveal truths and formulate new ones” 

(Zarah 2016).  

I’ve also learned that, “without research and 

scientific investigation, other developments would have remained a fantasy. 

Reading, writing, observing, analyzing, and 

interacting with others make curious mind's quest for knowledge.  Research serves as an 

instrument to achieve that goal” (Zarah 2016).

As an early childhood teacher I have gained knowledge and wisdom about my role as a professional.  I have learned that quality teacher research is established from daily positive interactions with children and their families.  I have learned that children only benefit from research when it is used appropriately and thoughtfully.  As professional caregivers I believe that we have to stand up for all young children and families to make sure that all research studies involving the early childhood community is for the well-being of the participants in the study.

I would like to thank Dr. Todd and all my colleagues for such an interesting and informational course, I appreciate you time and dedication in helping me to gain additional wisdom knowledge  about research in the field of early childhood studies.  

   

References:

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

Zarah, Leann. (2016). Five Reasons Why Research is Important.  Retrieved from: owlcation.com/misc/Why-Research-is-Important-Within-and-Beyond-the-Academe