Final Blog!!!

I must start by saying that this class sounded quite scary when I saw the title of it! I, as well as many of you, am very use to conducting research for research papers through online study; but never have I had the experience of learning how those researchers who conducted study actually did it! This course has taught me that it is a quite rigorous procedure of performing a study. To start it must be something that is important to the field of study in which one works. For example, most people who conduct research on early childhood are those people who are already a part of the field. Research is good in many ways and one of the most important aspects of it is that it can make a child's life that much more positive; but this good aspect doesn't come without a price!

The process of performing a study is very demanding! Researchers must keep ethical issues in mind at all times. In most early childhood studies children are involved, so the researcher must obtain parental consent. Researchers must also be sure to not let their own personal views get in the way of their research. I learned that validity is a very important portion of research work as well. Information presented should be reliable and trustworthy; and that triangulation is a great method to help ensure validity in research.

This class has taught me about the three kinds of research which is quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. I learned several aspects of what makes certain research be one of the three. Overall I have learned a whole lot about research! This class has actually taught me to respect the work of research more now that I know the rigorous steps involved so that they (researchers) can present their information to the public (which is us)! This research class has also helped to prep me. If I ever decide to get my doctorate, I now know the steps needed through becoming a researcher and performing a study; which will in essence help me to earn a doctorate degree! This class has been very much so detailed, informative, and a great learning experience! I thank Walden University for the opportunity!

Research Around the World

Originated in 1938, Early Childhood Australia aims at ensuring equity, quality, and social justice in all issues that is related to the education and care of young children (from birth to age 8). The organization has strategic goals set in place and those goals are as listed below:

• Goal 1: ECA is an effective advocate for children
• Goal 2: ECA is a champion for quality outcomes in early childhood education and care
• Goal 3: ECA is a strong, progressive, and sustainable organization

The organization has a Research in Practice series that focuses on issues like Intentional Teaching, Sustainability, Programs and Relationships in Practice, and Secure Transitions are just some of the areas that have been researched, discussed and included in yearly resources through the Early Childhood Australia network. Other things that I found quite interesting about this organization is the fact that they have resources for not only parents but for educators within the early childhood realm as well. The site has monthly webinars and the next webinar is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2015. The site has potential for hiring new early childhood prospects, as well as offering researchers and authors a chance to produce more information on the following:

• Indoor spaces
• Gifted and Talented: Indoor and Exclusion
• Creativity

Overall I feel that this organization is a great one, and the path that they are leading is a great one for Australians to follow!

                                                                           References
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/