“Research Around the World”-Week 5

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Current International Topics....

·         Assessing the Influence of Different Early Childhood Development Models on

Pre-School Children’s School Readiness in Kenya.

·         Assessment of Interaction and Stimulation in Single-Mother Low-Income Families.

·         Assessment of the Caring Practices in Two Motherless Babies’ Homes in Abia State, Nigeria and the Development and Delivery of a Nutrition Training Program to the Staff of These Homes to Improve Nutrition of Children in Their Care.

Insights.....

As I was exploring the international website, I’ve learned the well-being of children and family is the focus. Also, some of the concerns and issues are the same one we have in the U.S. For example, in Nigeria, there is a project, which looked at people’s understanding of “effective collaboration,” is the development of a guide on effective parent-school collaboration (ECDVU, 2005).  In the US, you can find several studies on how to build partnership with parents and the school.

Noteworthy....

What was a great add to the website was the different publication on early childhood in Africa. I was able to find an article dealing with, strengthening Africa’s contributions to child development research. With the variety of dated publication, it gives a good understand of child development. 

ECDVU. (2005). Early childhood development virtual university (ecdvu) sub-saharan africa (ssa). Retrieved from http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Research that Benefits Children and Families (Week 3)

        Currently I work under a school readiness program, and a research study was conducted to evaluate the program.  The readiness program was designed to help prepare children for school by providing funding support for early childhood services through community/county collaborations that address the unmet needs of young children and family (High/Scope Educational Research Foundation, 2006). The research study examined the quality of services provided to the children and families through home visitation programs, child care initiative programs, and 4K programs. The outcome was to continue identity the neediest families to help. Also, participants in all programs showed significant increases in their pre- and post-assessments.

        I believe the study was able show children and families in quality care programs, can lead to stronger developmental skills for the child to enter 1^st grade ready. With more pressure for children to succeed, it is imperative for program initiatives for our children’s future.

High/Scope Educational Research Foundation.  (2006). From implementation to impact: An evaluation of the South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness program: Executive summary. Columbia: South Carolina First Steps to School Readiness. Retrieved April 29, 2009, from http://www.scfirststeps.org/docs/2006HSEvalExecRpt.pdf.

My Personal Research Journey (Week 2)

RESEARCH JOURNEY

Starting on this journey, I didn’t know what to expect. My experience working on the simulation research process was intriguing because I learn how to select a topic look through a different lens. There were questions I learn I had to ask myself to narrow down a topic such as, “How can we best use this knowledge to optimise children’s learning, growth and development?”   Through the research chart, I realize how important it is to know terms used in the research process. For instance, I was unaware triangulation is the format that can be used to compare and combine different form or different source. Now that I understand this term, I will be able to understand a study that uses it. Also, I realize data and analyzing is a part of the research process I will enjoy. Having the opportunity to analyzing data that will show real information can lead to outcomes to the early childhood field. What advice do you have a new researcher in the research process?

Colleagues, please check out this resource to help with the research process:

Google Scholar

Naughton, G., Sharne, R., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research international perspectives on theory & practice. New York, NY: McGraw Hill Education.

 

Doris Cheng, P. (2010). Exploring the tactfulness of implementing play in the classroom: a Hong Kong experience. Asia-Pacific Journal Of Teacher Education, 38(1), 69-82

Gaffan, E. A., Martins, C., Healy, S., & Murray, L. (2010). Early Social Experience and Individual Differences in Infants' Joint Attention. Social Development, 19(2), 369-393.

Greenhoot, A. F., Tsethlikai, M., & Wagoner, B. J. (2006). The Relations between Children's Past Experiences, Social Knowledge, and Memories for Social Situations. Journal Of Cognition And Development, 7(3), 313-340.