My Family Culture

If there was a catastrophe and my family had to move to a permanent place outside in a country in which the culture was different from my own, the three things that I would take is the photo album, a blanket that has been in the family for decades and necklace that has been passed down to each female that was married. I would explain to other people that each item is part of my culture and they all will remind me of our family tradition and memorable moments. If I was told that I could only keep one item of the three once I arrive in another country, I would feel really sad and that my cultural values and traditions were being ignored. The insights that I gained with this exercise is that not every culture value the same thing. I gained the knowledge of knowing that every culture is different and has different beliefs and traditions that are different from my own. I also learned that my family culture means a great deal to me and I want to always remember how close we are and no matter where I go, I want to always honor my tradition, values and beliefs. I want to state that I believe that it is important to learn cultural differences and what is a value to each, so that each cultures beliefs, family structure, religion and values are respected.

When I Think of Research...

The insights that I have gained from this course is that research is a way to find out issues, where, with what group and a possible solution. I perceive research as relevant because it can help find cures, facts, and different options to help find the best results. Research should be conducted in a high quality, respectful, ethical and productive manner (Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010). The children and families can benefit from research because it can help seek out a problem, bring it to the attention of policy makers and government officials to get the appropriate attention and care that is needed. The most important information to me throughout the course and the resources provided was the code of ethical conduct resources that gives and outline on appropriate behaviors for professionals, being responsible as a professional, resolving dilemmas, values, morality, respect, being trustworthy, honest and fair (National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2012). There are certain ethical standards that the NAEYC has to guide all professionals especially researchers to follow step by step to ensure that all participants are protected, consent is given, ethical behavior is conducted and that each individual is treated fairly (NAEYC, 2011). I would like to include that research has it benefits and risk when children are involved because of the type of method used. I do not think that any research should be conducted if it can cause harm emotionally, mentally or physically to a child. I do understand that it is necessary to conduct research, but if it is not in the best interest and beneficial to more than one child, than the research should be re evaluated and approached at a different angle to provide better enhancement to the child’s abilities (Whiting, 2009).

The insight that I learned from this is that when evaluating sources in the research process that we will encounter all types of resources that may or may not relate to the knowledge, objectivity or accuracy. Sometimes we might read or view a source that we may think is biased, opinionated or conflicting about the topic. We should ask questions such as is the resource suitable, informative, who is the intended audience, when was it published, when was it last updated, and who is the source coming from and can we validate the source (Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). I have also learned that in order for a research project to be valid that it should have the sources of being on hand in a natural environment that involves data and methodological triangulation methods. The challenge that I encountered in research is giving my views on how the research is being conducted and how much of a benefit any research topic is. I met my challenges my reviewing, documenting, studying and doing more research on the different methods and techniques that is a option for the many different approaches to conducting research on children and families. The support that I can offer my colleagues when it comes to learning about research is to stay focused on the priority of the children, the goal and the long term benefits that research can offer.

My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course by enlightning me on the better good and benefits of research for the children, families, the community and the early childhood education field. The lessons that I learned from planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood education is that, the professional should take into consideration the child's age, gender, behavior patterns, cultureal background, family values and beliefs and respect them all. I also learned that ethical guidelines and laws have to be followed to ensure that no harm will be placed upon a child or their family.
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (2011). Code of ethical conduct and statement of commitment. Retrieved on March 12, 2012 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/Ethics%20Position%20Statement2011.pdf

Whiting, L. (2009). Involving children in research. Paediatric Nursing, 21(5), 32–36

Research Around the World

The current international research topic is Research in Practice. This research is about providing the tools necessary for professionals in the educational field. The research in practice has hands on tools to guide educators through helping children and families. The research approach is to promote knowledge to educators in regards to obesity, bullying, and the framework of early childhood education, children’s resilience and more. The new insights that I gained is that there are a long list of research topics that can benefit all educators at any level. The topics focus on protecting the well being of the children as well as educating the professionals. The site contains ethical guidelines on the expectations of educators, members and staff. Australian code of ethics is overseen by the field and rather than it being opposed upon.

 Early childhood Australia is committed to aboriginal and torres strait islander for children and families which is considered a statement of regret. This regret and commitment acknowledges that aboriginal and strait islander people as original habitants of Australia that is well respected for their culture. I also learned that this is a knowledge broker, non-profit, not government organization that is here to assist children from birth to eight years of age and other individuals that is seeking more knowledge about international early childhood education. Early Childhood Australia works with all caregivers, educators, and the government and opposition parties. Social justice and equity is part of Early Childhood Australia’s focus. boriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families

Resources

Early Childhood Australia. (2000-2011). A voice for young children. Retrieved on April 1, 2012 from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

The article in which I found beneficial for children and families is “The Father Effect”.
The positive benefit in this article is that a father’s active involvement with their children at a young age shows that their children have a greater benefit in development, secure attachment, intelligence and emotional IQ. The children have higher scores in mathematics, and science. The research shows that children develop better in cognitive, social, behaviors and mental skills when the father is part of their everyday life. The research states that parents whether father or mother can be part of the father effects and provide children with lessons on how to respond to different behaviors and the reason why the behavior is taking place play opportunities that stimulate their children’s non-verbal reasoning abilities such as playing ball, building blocks, tumble, and any outdoor playing activities. The research shows that parents can also provide a loving stable living environment that is consistent and help the child solve problems when they occur as they develop into adolescent. The research shows that when children do not have their fathers actively in their lives that the child presents signs of sadness, aggressive behaviors, anxiety and hyperactivity. This is a good article to read up on to inform parents that the research conducted can bring them closer for the well being of their child (Higgins, 2011).

Reference

Higgins, M. (27, October 11). The Father Effect - Positive Effects of Involved Dads. Retrieved on March 13, 2012 from http://www.happychild.com.au/articles/the-father-effect-positive-effects-of-involved-dads

Your Personal Research Journey

My chosen topic is "How a quality education can promote the lives of children and families?" I chose this topic because of personal and professional reasons. The personal reason is because I was part of a family did not get a quality education when I was growing up and it set me behind. The professional reason is that I want to contribute to a quality successful education to the children. I believe that a quality education can help families get a better career, their children can develop stronger cognitive and social skills as well as academic achievement. I have always wanted to educate and help other individuals find the resources needed to do better and have a better quality of life.

 I have learned so far from this course that research can help me build a better understanding of the issues, population and other facts that contribute to the lack of a quality education for many families, by providing the tools and  guiding me through to what I need to get the answers to my questions (Mac Naughton, Rolfe and Siraj-Blatchford, 2010).  The research chart helped me to understand what to look for, what and how to document resources and information when doing my research. The chart also guides me through on the necessary terms and areas of my research that are critical to my purpose.  If anyone know of any resources or links to ways on how quality contributes to healthier lifestyles for children and families please inform me. I know that the first step is to get involved and find out what is disabling children and families from getting a quality education and then I can focus on solutions to the problem.

Resources
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

Final Blog Assignment

During the course blog postings, I was able to explore international early childhood. Before the course began, I was not aware of the connections, devotion and motivation for young children all around the world. The 3 consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for my professional and personal development is that I learned about the different aspects of early childhood education in another country. The other consequence is that I was able obtain tools and facts about the issues and trends in international early childhood education. The third consequence of learning about international early childhood is that, I was able to be connected with other educational professionals and to share the insights and leads to other important links from my colleagues. The consequences help to understand and gain insights from a different perspective about the trends and issues that are relevant to the children’s future and well being. I did not have a clue about the education system internationally, and it was very interesting to find out the trends and issues are spread throughout the nation. The links to international early childhood will lead educators to resources to share with other colleagues and parents. There were resources for educators to stay connected and began self awareness and self evaluation to help them better serve children and families with the quality and excellence of early childhood education. The more information that I was able to obtain from the course and from international early childhood education, the more I feel the need to continue my professional and personal goals to help children and families that are struggling with funding, access and equality. The continuous communication through the blog postings help to form a network from different professionals that are desire to help and assist families and children from different backgrounds and poverty levels. I will continue my mission to educate, advocate and care for children of all ages. I learned the importance and relevance of blogging and the information that any professional can gain from the connections of other professionals in the same field and passion. I enjoyed and learned from reading and exploring the different resources available from my colleagues and authors that stayed connected on the blogs.

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

Alternative

Some of the insights that I have gained about issues related to international early childhood education that relate to my professional goals is that the first priority is the wellbeing and development of the child. The international early childhood education and my goals are to provide the quality, access and attention to children and their families. There are so many children and families especially the poor that need the attention from government officials to help with cost, quality and access. International early childhood education and my professional goals are in the same playing field. As a team we want to establish equality amongst all children to have the education and quality that is deserved. Quality can help establish and build a child’s social ability, cognitive skills, brain development, more parent participation and physical capabilities (UNESCO, 1995-2011).

I gained the understanding of knowing that children all across the world are dealing inequalities and if the priority of children is given by government officials and policy makers that this can help mend the gap on the inequality in education across the board. The goal is provide equal quality care, resources, access and affordable education for the children of all ages. Another insight that I encountered while navigating through the site is that play is included as a important part of a child’s development. Play is a way for the children to develop their social skills and be able to explore the world around them. Play also gives the teacher a chance to observe the children from their inner ability to be creative. Another topic on the site that was a great idea that I gained in regards to international early childhood education that relate to funding. Funding is a valuable part in ensuring that all children are treated equally in the education sector. Receiving investment funding from profitable and nonprofit organization will help build more effective ways to help the most disadvantaged and families that are challenged with financial difficulties (UNESCO, 1995-2011)

Reference

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). (1995-2011). Early Childhood Care and Education Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-education-systems/early-childhood/