When I think of research....

One of the best insights that I have learned about research was how to read and review other research articles!  The pointers and tips about how and what to read in often lengthy articles reduced the apprehension I had previously had in regards to literature reviews and reading through multiple lengthy articles.  This information was very helpful and will continue to be beneficial for me throughout my career.

The nature of research also changed for me throughout this course.  The course format; in which we were able to systematically break down (and work on ) each individual component really allowed me to see the whole picture of research.  This allowed me to break down the overwhelming feeling of actually doing research.

The biggest lesson I learned about planning and designing was to take it step by step!  As I stated above this course really allowed all of us to break the research down and to conceptualize it into steps that are workable and manageable rather than feeling so overwhelmed.

One challenge was the idea of ensuring equity.  This is extremely important!  And, in any research that I do in the future I want to ensure that I am as equitable, fair and just as absolutely possible.  However, it is also very difficult to ensure that we are meeting every one's needs and to ensure that you have dotted all your I's and crossed all of your T's - it is important to remain very diligent!!

This course has increased my yearning to stay on the path of early childhood education.  It has shown me that there is still much to learn, much to discover, and much that I have the possibility to have an impact on!

Research around the world

I reviewed the Early Childhood Australia website and found it very informative and interesting.  One part of the web page discussed the topic f asylum seeking children in the community.  Chief Executive of Early Childhood Australia, Pam Cahir discussed the importance of having a commissioner and important parameters established for dealing with children seeking asylum in Australia vs. the current trend of placing them in immediate detention.  She suggested that children's rights be upheld and that they be treated with the utmost of care rather than adding to their traumatic situations already.  This was an interesting article to read as this is obviously a large issue and  a deep concern for early childhood advocates in the community and I cannot blame them.  It is awful to think that immigrant young children, who are most likely just being used during human trafficking, are similarly punished by being detained rather than treated and helped for their experiences.

The other thing that struck me about this websites was the powerful 'vibe' (if you will) that it sent!  It is clear that this organization is a strong advocate for young children and it demands to be heard.  The site is very informative and provides information that is current, relevant and pertinent to its local areas.

Johnston,c. (2011, June).  Children's commissioner needed to protect children in detention centres.  Early Childhood Australia.  Retrieved from
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/early_childhood_news/june_2011_childrens_commissioner_needed_to_protect_children_in_detention_centres.html