Saturday, August 22, 2015

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!

Saturday, August 1, 2015

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/

Saturday, July 18, 2015

Benefits of Previous Research

  Today I can say that I am thankful for the multitude of research that has been done on childhood stuttering. My youngest child that just turned 4 in July, has picked up a habit of stuttering. From research that has been conducted on the subject, I have learned that not all childhood stutterers bring the habit over into adulthood......in fact that most times outgrow it. Newer research conducted has taught me that my child's stuttering does not come from emotional problems, which older studies suggested. Although stuttering within itself can cause emotional problems within children. I have benefited from this research because results have demonstrated that I do not need to bring attention to his stuttering as some family members have suggested. Many are quick to say 'slow down' or 'start over' to a stutterer; but according to research performed, bringing attention to the fact that the child is stuttering, is the last thing that needs to be done.
   I had a fear  that my child may continue to stutter because of family members who stutter also. Hereditary factors were revealed to have some effect on stutterers, but genetic transmission has yet to be proved. Finally, research has made me as a parent and teacher more confident in working with a stuttering child because of suggestions that have been proven to help the child. A few of these suggestions are as follows:

- Call little attention to the fact that the child stutters
- Try to ensure that atmospheres are cool, calm, and collective so that the child doesn't feel stressed
- Encourage more conversation
- Do not react emotionally to stuttering (Meaning don't show embarrassment,impatience, or anxiety)
- and being aware of my own speech and speaking slowly will encourage the stuttering child to slow     down as well.

                                                                             References
Mazzuca-Peter, J. (1989). The Student Who Stutters- Teacher's Guide. Retrieved from https://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/InfoPWDS/studentwhostutters.html

Saturday, July 11, 2015

Introduction to Research Topic


The subject that I have chosen to focus on for the research component of this class is "Managing Autism in Early Childhood Settings". The three subtopics that I have chosen are:

  • Behavior Techniques that Work in Young Children with Autism
  • Appropriate Developmental Strategies for Working with Autistic Children in Various Settings/Learning Areas
  • Working with Families of the Young Autistic Child
Professionally I chose this subject because it is one that seems to be on the rise within the early childhood atmosphere. So in other words, it's very relevant. Personally, I chose this field because as a teacher it's very hard sometimes to find out what it is that most children with autism require. We have no special training for autism, so it's almost like a game of finding out which 'answer sticks or works' for each particular child. Most children with special needs are required to spend most of their days in a regular education classroom. So generally, there is no way around either being trained professionally, or conducting our own research to help ourselves in the classroom as well as the autistic child! As my picture at the top shows......It's all about fitting the pieces of the puzzle to the appropriate spaces. With this research, hopefully I will be able to do that within the classroom! :)

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Final Blog!!

Over the last eight weeks I have had the opportunity to dig deeper into the livelihood of other countries and their takes on early education. The mission was to initially build contact with a professional from another country. Unfortunately, my efforts were in vein because I never heard from the ten sources of whom I reached out to. Because of this, I was able to take a deeper look into online sources such as UNICEF and even the NHSA! I learned a lot about these organizations and what they have to offer, so I am very grateful for that! Listed below is a goal that I have set for myself when looking at international contacts, as well as three consequences that I have found to be during my contact with various countries. They are as listed below:

Goal-----To remain educated about early childhood procedures in other countries. Walden has shared websites; now it's up to me to put it to use in the future. Now I know how to contact others professionally in different regions of the world!

Consequences:
* Efforts reveal no results when trying to reach overseas personally. At times it's hard to form relations with others from around the world. This class is time specific, so maybe when I try for myself in the future......I may have more time to reach out to more professionals around the world. 

* Realization that in some countries, fighting for the right of an early education will be an uphill battle. For example, a country like the Philippines may not be as prominent as say Australia. So they will not view the importance of this type of education the same. Those kids in less developed countries like the Philippines are only entitled to an early education through private sectors if they are wealthy. So this within itself is a major issue!

* Time restraints listed above can be a consequence as well. In many areas of the world, they are days apart from the time zone here in the United States. So some of our efforts may take us talking to representatives at 3:30 am when it's 9:00 am for them!! Even though I had no professionals contacts, I can remember reading a couple of posts this 8 weeks that revealed how hard it was to "catch" each other because of time differences! So time restraints could be a huge consequence of international contacts!

Even though there are consequences, my feelings are so what?!? If you are passionate about doing something, IT CAN BE DONE!! It may take hard work and plenty of effort; but when you look at what's at stake (young children)......I think we all can agree that it's well worth the effort we have put forth!!!! Wishing you all the best on your educational journey!!!! 😃

Final Blog!!

Over the last eight weeks I have had the opportunity to dig deeper into the livelihood of other countries and their takes on early education. The mission was to initially build contact with a professional from another country. Unfortunately, my efforts were in vein because I never heard from the ten sources of whom I reached out to. Because of this, I was able to take a deeper look into online sources such as UNICEF and even the NHSA! I learned a lot about these organizations and what they have to offer, so I am very grateful for that! Listed below is a goal that I have set for myself when looking at international contacts, as well as three consequences that I have found to be during my contact with various countries. They are as listed below:

Goal-----To remain educated about early childhood procedures in other countries. Walden has shared websites; now it's up to me to put it to use in the future. Now I know how to contact others professionally in different regions of the world!

Consequences:
* Efforts reveal no results when trying to reach overseas personally. At times it's hard to form relations with others from around the world. This class is time specific, so maybe when I try for myself in the future......I may have more time to reach out to more professionals around the world. 

* Realization that in some countries, fighting for the right of an early education will be an uphill battle. For example, a country like the Philippines may not be as prominent as say Australia. So they will not view the importance of this type of education the same. Those kids in less developed countries like the Philippines are only entitled to an early education through private sectors if they are wealthy. So this within itself is a major issue!

* Time restraints listed above can be a consequence as well. In many areas of the world, they are days apart from the time zone here in the United States. So some of our efforts may take us talking to representatives at 3:30 am when it's 9:00 am for them!! Even though I had no professionals contacts, I can remember reading a couple of posts this 8 weeks that revealed how hard it was to "catch" each other because of time differences! So time restraints could be a huge consequence of international contacts!

Even though there are consequences, my feelings are so what?!? If you are passionate about doing something, IT CAN BE DONE!! It may take hard work and plenty of effort; but when you look at what's at stake (young children)......I think we all can agree that it's well worth the effort we have put forth!!!! Wishing you all the best on your educational journey!!!! 😃

Final Blog!!

Over the last eight weeks I have had the opportunity to dig deeper into the livelihood of other countries and their takes on early education. The mission was to initially build contact with a professional from another country. Unfortunately, my efforts were in vein because I never heard from the ten sources of whom I reached out to. Because of this, I was able to take a deeper look into online sources such as UNICEF and even the NHSA! I learned a lot about these organizations and what they have to offer, so I am very grateful for that! Listed below is a goal that I have set for myself when looking at international contacts, as well as three consequences that I have found to be during my contact with various countries. They are as listed below:

Goal-----To remain educated about early childhood procedures in other countries. Walden has shared websites; now it's up to me to put it to use in the future. Now I know how to contact others professionally in different regions of the world!

Consequences:
* Efforts reveal no results when trying to reach overseas personally. At times it's hard to form relations with others from around the world. This class is time specific, so maybe when I try for myself in the future......I may have more time to reach out to more professionals around the world. 

* Realization that in some countries, fighting for the right of an early education will be an uphill battle. For example, a country like the Philippines may not be as prominent as say Australia. So they will not view the importance of this type of education the same. Those kids in less developed countries like the Philippines are only entitled to an early education through private sectors if they are wealthy. So this within itself is a major issue!

* Time restraints listed above can be a consequence as well. In many areas of the world, they are days apart from the time zone here in the United States. So some of our efforts may take us talking to representatives at 3:30 am when it's 9:00 am for them!! Even though I had no professionals contacts, I can remember reading a couple of posts this 8 weeks that revealed how hard it was to "catch" each other because of time differences! So time restraints could be a huge consequence of international contacts!

Even though there are consequences, my feelings are so what?!? If you are passionate about doing something, IT CAN BE DONE!! It may take hard work and plenty of effort; but when you look at what's at stake (young children)......I think we all can agree that it's well worth the effort we have put forth!!!! Wishing you all the best on your educational journey!!!! 😃