When I think of Reseach...

I have gained so many new insights regarding structuring research topics. I have learned that research is a process and has to be done in stages, with revisions in order to get to the core of your point. My ideas about research have changed as a result of gaining an understanding of research as a process, and that process can be a fun one, and insightful. Developing a time line designing and conducting research can be a tedious process however to get the most useful data that is valid it is a necessary process. Some of the challenges that I incurred were reading so much information that it hindered me from getting to main points. Dr. Terry gave wonderful advice when she suggested that you read the abstracts and or summaries and study the flow of the article to identify where you can retrieve the substantive information for your research. I have always respected researchers; I live in a state that is world renowned for its research contributions to the profession of early childhood. To this end, my respect and appreciation for those who commit their professional careers to conducting research so that we might benefit from their findings has increased. My perspective of research has more of a scientific view than before, truly it is a science designing, and being strategic about concepts and data.

Reasearch Around the World

I have chosen to review the following website:
http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/index.php
Some of the current international research topics include:
Bullying
Nurturing the Spirited Child
Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice
Active Children
Diversity
Engaging Families
The new and surprising insights that I have gained while perusing the website include the fact that they struggle with the same issues that we do in regards to getting policy makers and legislatures on board to support initiatives that will further enhance and strengthen and enhance our profession. "We are calling on commitments from both sides of politics to implement the national quality reform agenda endorsed by COAG last year.

Noteworthy Info:
As an activist organization—ECA supports the key role of parents in their children’s wellbeing and early learning

Early Childhood Australia:

Spoke out in support of paid parental leave
Applauded the paid maternity leave decision as an important first step
Participated in paid maternity leave implementation consultations
Recognized the importance of secure, stable and reciprocal relationships to children’s wellbeing in its advocacy generally, and including in its publications program.

Research That Benfits Children and Families

In 2009 I gave birth to a beautiful little girl, who had a few challenges once she arrived. I was thankful to have a very close friend who was an early intervention specialist who worked and is still working with us to ensure that our little one is meeting all developmental milestones.
I remember her saying that she was hesitant about taking our case since we were so close, and her supervisor, and husband advised her not to get "to involved" however she decide that she could do it without it becoming a conflict.

During one of my courses I came across an article that TOTALLY supported the concept of intervention specialist and families having close relationships and found it to be very beneficial to the family but more importantly to the child. The research identified that parents were more willing to follow the interventionist suggestions based on a trusted relationship. I emailed the article to my friend, and expressed to her this is why it worked!! I sent a copy to her supervisor, in the hopes of shedding light on new research and ideas about intervention and the relationships associated as a result. My child has had the extreme benefit of working with the best physical therapist, and speech therapist that have made a wonderful difference in her life, as well as mine. Thankful for those who are committed to enhancing the lives of children through practical work and research!!

My Personal Research Journey

The subtopic I chose for this assignment was Professional Development initiatives, benifits and implications. The research process was quite overwhelming there is so much information on the topic and various components of the topic. With that said I had to be very intentional about sticking to the subject. Not to my surprise the information that I discovered supported the work that I do on a daily basis, and is in keeping with best practices that have been proven to work in the field with the teachers. Professional development initiatives are essential for the survival of high quality, nurturing learning environments. It is proven that there are grave differences between teachers who are involved in professional development initiatives vs. those who are not. I am amazed by the new PRO-Quest in the virtual library which makes conducting research quite easy, and also suggests related topics based on your search. Quite amazing!