When I think of Research....

Looking back on this course I feel I have gained a wealth of knowledge regarding the steps to design a research. I was unaware of different types of research designs like qualitative, quantitative, and quasi-experimental. I truly thought there was only one type.  I have gained insights in to just how much must be taking into consideration prior to ever conducting a study, mainly the ethical issues and how to go about the study while addressing those issues. 

Some of the challenges I encountered was mainly with myself. I was so nervous about this course. Honestly, my nerves almost got the best of me and led me to taking a class off because I thought it would just be too much to handle. That challenge was met by simply taking it one step at a time, and just "toughing it out." Another challenge I faced was the way in which the test was written. Some how it was not an easy read for me at all, but I just had to read over things more then once and use outside resources to help as well.

This course has made me more aware of what all goes into the early childhood profession. Many of use read numerous studies and articles almost weekly. Actually getting the chance to step in the shoes of a researcher, I am more aware of what goes into conducting a research, and just how many different researches has helped us get to where we are today in the profession. It also helped me realize that even though I am a classroom teacher, I use many of the steps of research such as interviews ( of course I call it introduction with parents at the beginning of the year), anecdotal records, and checklists.  I currently utilize a checklist on a daily basis for some of my students struggling with certain behaviors.

Good Luck to all of you in your next course!!

Early Childhood Australia

As I looked through this website, I saw many different current studies that grabbed my attention.

The first one was called, "It's a mystery!" A case study of implementing forensic science in preschool as scientific inquiry.

The reason this grabbed my attention of course was the title including the words, "forensic science," I mean really, forensic science for young children?? It sounded a little scary if you ask me.  However, it explained how young children are born with curiosity and desire to explore. It takes us through a preserve teacher that "goes on a bear hunt" to discover the mysterious bear paw print. This papers focus is on arguing that such a complex topic can still be implemented with young children.
Another topic I found interesting was on the physical environment. This study was titled, " How design of the physical environment impacts on early learning: Educator's and Parent's Perspectives. Its focus was on how feeling homely and welcome enhances the learning environment. This is something I truly strive to provide in my classroom and am drawn to any study regarding its benefit.

One observation I made about many of the topics I saw, was how parents perspectives was incorporated within many of the studies.


As I looked into the Early childhood Australia website, I found it was similar to some of the organizations within our country like NAEYC. Both of the organizations work together with government, early childhood professionals, and families  I also loved seeing the WEALTH of  free resources it provided for families regarding numerous topics like baby and toddler sleeping, school readiness, and childhood health.


Finally, as I searched through the links I found one regarding past speeches. This includes many past conferences in which Early Childhood Australia members commented on certain topics. My favorite is regarding what needs to happen in child care. I encourage you to check it out. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/early_childhood_news/speeches/what_needs_to_happen_in_child_care.html

Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

This week we have been able to look at research and its benefits to those around us. We have also discussed the very challenging topic of societal benefits in which it is okay to subject children to research. I think any time we bring children into the equation it hits a very soft, compassionate part of us, part the reason this was a tough topic for me. 
However, in the end research has provided numerous benefits over the years, one personal example is my dear brother. Those of you from previous courses have possibly read previous posts about him. At three years old Justin was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a type of brain tumor. When he was diagnosed with this tumor the survival rates were not very high at all. Not much was known about this type of cancer. We were blessed that he was one of the few survivors of this cancer at the time. After nearly 20 years of research, the survival rate is now at 85% .  St. Jude Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee is a hospital built with the mission to advance treatments and cures of catastrophic diseases such as cancer. Many forms of cancer that we once knew very little about, are now well known and have an extremely high survival rate, due to the tremendous amount of research that has occurred.When I think of St. Jude I think of the millions of families who are positively affected by the research that occurs within those walls each day. Please check out the article on Medulloblastoma http://www.stjude.org/stjude/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=557ad3ce38e70110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD&vgnextchannel=406a0016380f0110VgnVCM1000001e0215acRCRD

Research Topic

 This week I had the opportunity to dive deep into one of the topics that has gained my interest during this school year. For the research simulation in this class I selected to focus on the topic, "Parenting styles impact on social-emotional development." In selecting a topic I was nervous because I was unsure if I would be able to find a variety of information on this topic. However, during this week I have found numerous articles that focus on this topic in there own way. I am excited to start my journey through this subject and hope that I can gain a more in depth knowledge of this topic, and possibly some strategies that may help me reach some of the students that initially pulled my interest to this subject.  I am interested to hear what my classmates may know regarding the correlations between parenting style and social- emotional development. What ways can I help these children as their teacher?

Final Blog Assignment

Upon reading this assignment I thought about the word consequences once again. It's a good thing I remembered that a consequence doesn't always have to be negative.  I have thoroughly enjoyed expanding my professional contacts outside my own city and even my own country. It has also been a great time to stay very much in touch with a dear friend. 
So what do I take away from this journey?
 First, hearing about the unique situations in this country and how they are handled has given me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences as a teacher and how I handle situations I encounter in the classroom. Next, it has given me a new view on certain concepts and thoughts. For example, during one of the assignments we discussed poverty. Hearing the experiences in South America helped me understand Stephanie's definition of poverty, and how this is something that occurs within our country as well. The definition of poverty is lack of necessities. One of the many necessities for our children is love, bonding, and support. Hearing about the children who are wealth in the materialistic aspect but go without these necessities, has opened my eyes to the fact that many of our children also go through this. As an educator it is my job to be a person who can provide those necessities. Finally, it has given me a renewed motivation to being the best educator I can possibly be. I have had the chance to look into the life of another educator and the impacts she has made. It has reminded me of just how important a caring, passionate educator really is for our children.

My goal is to remain in contact with Stephanie and her journey in South America, I would also like to remain in contact with the young teacher who was experiencing the students going through "trances." I would like to stay in up to date on how the administration was handling this situation.

Overall I feel this has been a very insightful learning opportunity. It is important we remain aware of the different experiences of other educators regardless of where they are teaching. All experiences are learning opportunities we can build on within the profession.

Professional Contacts Part 3

Stephanie chose to focus on the topic of the professional development she is required/provided in South America, and her professional goals.

They have a professional development committee that has to meet monthly to discuss the school’s professional development plan and arrange different meetings for the faculty to participate in together. It is very difficult being so far out of range of the “normal” world in terms of resources they could use or seminars they could attend. They use webinars mainly, as long as they are affordable and seem relevant to what is needed to learn. Every 3 months or so is when the faculty is required to meet together as a whole and watch and discuss the seminar. It basically refreshes and encourages them to be the best teachers possible. Professional Development is really important her because she  feels like in that particular situation, teachers really soak up any help, advice, support, and encouragement one can offer—even if it’s through a computer.

Her professional goals
To reach children and open them up.
 To follow where God leads me because that’s the safest and best place to be.
To help people.
To shine light into a dark world.
To encourage children and help them to see and believe in their importance.


It has been a wonderful opportunity to learn about Stephanie's life as a teacher in South America!  It is so encouraging.

A deeper look into Harlem Childen's Zone

From Harlem to Harvard

In viewing this website I found one area I had not explored yet which gave a very warming statistic about pre-kindergarten students: 100% were at grade level at grade level for the 7^th year in a row. One hundred percent!! That is amazing! We always strive for such a goal, but it is so excellent when we finally see it. They continued to talk more about this Pre-K program and what they teach within this program.  One of the main components was the emotionally responsive classroom which trains everyone in how to use a common positive language when talking to children. This program also has a 4:1 ratio and includes testing children at the beginning of the year and the end. By doing this they are able to develop an individual growth plan based on the findings.

Baby College

I had yet to read in detail about the baby college program which is designed for expectant mothers or mothers of children under three. This program provides information in the following areas:

*Brain development-  the importance of reading to your child

*Discipline- talks about not spanking, time out, and positive reinforcement.

*Health- making sure children are up to date on vaccinations. This prepares them for later head start programs and child care programs.
*Asthma-  How to handle asthma because it is so prevalent within the Harlem community.

I find this to not only be a way to inform parents of important information about caring for a child, but I also find it as a wonderful support group in which others can share their concerns and simply get to know other adults who share their concerns and interests.

Harlem Knights

Within my newsletter they mentioned that a Harlem Knights organization was formed so children were getting home safely. I decided to look in more detail as to why this decision was made now. I found a local newspaper that stated gang activity was at an enormous rise over the past year, which led many children not able to walk home from after school programs without getting pulled into the gang activity. Harlem Children’s Zone leader, Geoffrey Canada organized a group of people who assisted children home within the ten block radius of the campus.

Equity and Excellence in Harlem Children's Zone?

I find that the entire Harlem Children’s Zones program is designed with the understanding of equity and excellence. This community especially leader, Geoffrey Canada, recognized a need for the children and strives to make it happen. They strive for equal opportunities for these children despite the many challenges they may face on a day to day bases. Everything in this newsletter focused on the positive and demonstrates how no goal is unreachable within this program. Looking at the statistics is a clear example of that.

Insights

I feel viewing this website in more detail this week, just provided more information to support my growing belief in the fact that working together for a common goal makes things happen. Harlem Children’s Zone started with a small groups mission and goal, and has exploded into an enormous organization that is building and changing lives. I feel that if every community had a powerful program like this, we would eliminate many of the issues we currently have in education.