When I think of Research.....

 Going into this research class, I was originally in a panic.  The first assignment was to choose a research topic.  I was like OMG!! How in the world was I going to complete this magnitude of research in 8 weeks and keep my sanity?  I was in a panic, but it turned out that we were doing a simulation! (Thank God!!)   

I decided to focus on Montessori preschool versus traditional preschool for my simulation.  I had asked many educators and parents the differences, but most of them thought the quality of education was the same.  I could not find anyone that was opposed to either option.  So, I wanted to see if there was a significant difference between the two styles of teaching.  Which style was more effective when the students took their kindergarten entrance exams?  Which child developed more cognitively and psychologically?   I felt as if this information would be important and impactful to the field of education.  Educators and parents need to know which style is more effective.  Why the style is more effective?  Lastly, when can you really begin to see the results? 

The results would be beneficial to educators, parents, and students.  The results would impact children the most.  They have no control over where and how they get their education.  This would also give parents another opportunity to build upon a great foundation for their child’s education.  I believe that knowledge is power.  We just have to gain knowledge then exercise our power.

 That is also why I am happy that I gained so much knowledge through my research class.  I didn’t allow the fear of the unknown to ruin my experience.  Working in an educational hospital, I am around research very frequently.  I now have a deeper understanding of the terminology and regulations for each trial.  I have also spoken to several physicians that have taken very similar classes.  I have grown to respect and appreciate research and the time it takes to make it valid.  Although, my perception of the field of early childhood education has not changed, research is now something I respect and could possibly enjoy.     

Research Around the World

I decided to look into the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) website.  It seemed to be interesting, especially since I have reached out to a few educators there.  The website is very interesting and informative regarding the issues and resources for Australia.  ECA offers great resources (for a price).  They have a Research in Practice Series that highlights the research topics through the journal.  Some of their research topics include:

•  Helping children with difficult things 
• STEM
• Building supportive relationship
• Connecting with babies
• Creativity of young children.    
• Gifted and talented: Inclusion and exclusion

I would have liked to read a little further into the subjects, but you have to pay for the journal to gain access.  Fortunately, I was able to see the parent resources section that spoke about separation anxiety, sleeping, children’s health and nutrition, and transitions to school.  The site lets parents know that separation anxiety is normal and short lived.  Most children, 6 months and older, show signs including crying, tantrums, clinginess, but this is different from child to child.  Childhood obesity also seems to be an issue in Australia.  They have a variety of information regarding physical activity and nutrition on the site. 

Some interesting facts I found while snooping around….

• At 2-3 years, 41% of young children still wake up 1-2 times per night (sometimes more)
• Night walking aka Sleep Walking can start as early as 6 months to 4 years old and is common.  If is persist after 7 or eight, a physician may need to be consulted
• It’s recommended for a child to have their bed in their parents’ rooms until about 12 months. 

 ECA also offers a leadership program for teachers, experienced directors, consultants, and aspiring leaders.  The program will give you a certificate upon completion.  It’s an online program that gives a person access to professional development materials and other professionals within the field.  

Resources 

Early Childhood Australia (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/