Reflection

When I think of research now I know longer see it as one must be a scientist to be able to conduct research.  Research is not something I should be afraid of.  Research is an enriching process by which I will gain skills.  If I have an interest I can develop my field of interest.  This class has empowered me. 

I my eyes have been opened to the power behind research.  Research is defiantly hard work but more importantly you have to be committed to your cause.  I have a new found respect for researched.  It’s not all test tubes and numbers.

The most challenging things I encountered were other professionals not showing an interest in research.  I was surprised by the, someone has already done that attitude.  However this class gave me the knowledge to explain that more of the same thing in research is good.  Numbers are power. 

My perceptions of an early childhood professional has been modified in a way that I can now connect research with early childhood as puzzles fitting to gather we need one with the other.  It is a back board to all the other pieces.  Advocating, teaching, caring…

Thank you for sharing yourself with me this class.  You have helped me grow as a professional and person.  Hope to hear from you next class!

Research Around the World

I chose to learn more about Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA): Developed and maintained by the University of Victoria, Canada.

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

The ECDVU offers virtual and face to face programs.  The ECDVU participants are nominated by early childhood development committees.   Based on the nominees commitment to early childhood development.  ECDVU goal is to improve the quality of life for children and their families in Africa.

A few of the current international research topics learned about are:

·         A Community-driven Rural Early Childhood Development (ECD) Project, with Emphasis on Culturally and Developmentally Appropriate Exploratory Learning Concepts .

·         Parents’ and Other Caregivers’ Perception of Early Childhood Development Needs and Quality: A Study of the PLAN-Assisted Programs in Ghana. 

·         Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in ECD Training and Services .

The research and work being done are very much the same here in America but on a different scale.   The common goal is responsible, hard working adults that can give back to society.  The research understanding that affordable, good early childhood programs are a must for the better of cultures, villages and the future.  They are researching programs that are working for villages, considering the culture and trying to duplicate what is working.  They are educating the parents about early childhood development.  And supportive of on- going teachers training.  Offering the ssupport of cchildren, families and community.