When I Think of Research...

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course? Research is a complicated process, and I have learned that many steps must be taken by a researcher before the actual research process takes place. I feel most connected to a Poststructuralist methodology which states, “poststructuralist researchers reject the idea that we can ever be certain about the world because its complexity and dynamism defy encapsulation, categorization and closure.” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010) In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed? My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed and I have developed a greater appreciation for the entire process. What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn? I discovered that the planning process of a research project is just as important as conducting the actual research. In may ways, it is important to be as realistic as possible as to the feasibility of the project in order to be prepared for the challenges one may face. But, as a researcher one must be prepared to face challenges and be able to communicate these challenges in an objective non-bias fashion. What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them? One of the greatest challenges I faced during this process was in deciding which research simulation project to choose from. Ultimately, I chose the project that was more challenging but that felt closer to my heart. Another challenge I faced was the importance of remaining objective throughout the research process. My research simulation project was called, "Examining the Prevalence of Restraint and Seclusion of Autistic Children in School Settings." For this project I studied many cases of restraint and seclusion and it became a very emotional situation in which I had a very difficult time separating myself what I was reading. Being objective is a very important element of being a researcher, and I found it very difficult. Resources: Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010) Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. I would like to thank Professor Johnna Darragh for your supportive and positive encouragement for and my fellow classmates for your support throughout this course, I look forward to future classes with you all!

I examined the website, http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au, which has many resources for parents and educators of young children. This website offers parent's a guide to children's behavior in a book called, "Children are people too" which examines current parenting methods which rewards good behavior and punishes bad behavior. According to the author, Louis Porter, this common method of parenting actually escalates behavior problems. I think it is wonderful that the Early Childhood Australia website offers book suggestions to parents which help them rethink current practices. The website offers information on many topics, including: behavior, diversity, health, social/emotional learning, leadership, ethics and much more. Early Childhood Australia is geared for early childhood professionals, staff and directors of child care centers, as well as parents, grandparents and caregivers. I found this website very well organized and very comprehensive, offering relevant advice to help support the healthy development of young children.