WHEN I THINK OF RESEARCH

This class has taught me a lot about research.  I was informed of the importance of validity.  Through this course, I learned that research can be done through several methods.  Most time mixed methods is used for several reason.  Through this course, I learned that research is important when researching information that will benefit the success of children in Early Childhood Education.  In this class, there was some challenges.  Learning about the different types of methods and it terminology.  My perception of an Early Childhood professional has been enhanced through this course.  I learned that the way educators teach are based on research and learning what works best. 

I have enjoyed this course and sharing information with my classmates.  Thanks to everyone who have given me advice or a nice comment.  Thanks and hope to discuss issues that matters in future courses.

Erica Hines

RESEARCH AROUND THE WORLD

This week I was given the opportunity to explore different international research topics.  I chose to explore this website www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php.  One of the question What are some the current international research topics?  Some of the topics that I saw was "Exploring and promoting the value of indigenous knowledge in early childhood development in Africa", Social responsibilty as dimension of intelligence, and as an edicational goal, and insgits from programmatic research in an African Society." 

The next question is what surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this interational early childhood website?   I learned that this program is devoted to developing Middle East North Africa children family and communities.

What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?  I learned that ECDVU is not only a community of learners but a community of leaders and capacity builders, which is aimed at addressing leadership needs in African ECD.

Erica Hines

MY PERSONAL RESEARCH JOURNAL

Hello everyone!!  My topic that I am interested in is “At what age should you teach phonological awareness?”  I know that we as parents introduce phonics to our babies without being aware of this, because as we talk the child is listening and it becomes a part of repeating what they hear.  But the question that I am asking is when is it necessary to purposely start teaching it.  The reason this is a topic I have interest in is because at my present job, I am constantly in debate with the Education Coordinator at our center about what we should be introducing to our students.  I know that some of my students are on different levels than others and she states that I am pushing them to hard and focusing on things that are not age appropriate when it comes to phonological awareness.  I explain that my theory for my action is because children mature at different levels and I believe that we should encourage growth and help each individual child on his or her level to be successful. 

So with this in mind I feel that if I can show her the research then maybe I can prove my point and then she will understand why I feel the way that I feel.

Erica Hines

FINAL BLOG ASSIGNMENT

Sadly, I was not able to get in contact with my International Educator, but I was able to read the blogs of my classmates who was fortunate enough to have someone respond to them.  Through this course, I gained valuable information and I also learned a lot from my classmates international friends.  The sad thing that I learned from this course is that it does not matter where you are from some children still suffer and do not receive the quality Early Childhood education that they deserve.  One reason for this is because poverty strikes all Countries and therefore causing some to suffer and be without.  The lack of knowledge or understanding of the available resources is another factor that children around the world are without.

This course has been an eye opener for me and I have enjoyed participating and learning valuable information that I believe will help me to grow into a great educator.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR CONTACT PART 3

After many weeks of trying to reach my international contact, I have had no LUCK.  So again I am left doing the alternative assignment. 

After looking over the web site that was assigned, I learned some interesting information.  For example UNESCO organized the first World Conference on ECCE (Early Childhood Care and Education) in September of 2012.  Because ECCE is universal it was so important that participating countries committed themselves to expanding and improving comprehensive ECCE, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantage children.  Another interesting piece of information that I learned was that ‘a policy of universal with targeting can minimize in equity where governments aim for universal access among the target age group but simultaneously priorities the poor” (www.unesco.org).

This article informs me that Early Childhood Education is important everywhere and unfortunately a lot of people miss the opportunity to experience this for one reason or another.

Erica Hines

Reference

Access and Equity (2012). www.unesco.org

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR INTERNATIONAL CONTACT PART 2

Unfortunately, I still have not heard from my international contact, therefore I will exlpain what I learned from reading the article, Global Children Initiative.  I learned that as Educators, we must be willing to help globally  with making sure that all children needs are meet.  This article also informs us that we must address the issue of  economic dev elopment as well.  THis article tells me that regardless of where you are, you still can be resourceful in making a difference in the lives of other regardless of their location.

SHARING RESOURCES

This week, we have to give some of the insights that we have recieved from our resources.  Even though I did read the resources,  I have really been under the weather really suffering with asthma attacks and allergies, I am having a lot of trouble staying focused.  But I will say that I really enjoyed reading the article by Shonkoff “Mobilizing Science to Revitalize Early Childhood Policy,” which explain how it has  been proven early childhood programs help prevent illiness in adulthood. The article summarized the effects of toxic stress on the brain and the benefits of stable relationships in early childhood. As educators it is our duty to know what is being proven by scientist so that it will help us to better prepare our students to grow up into productive members of society.

Erica Hines