When I Think About Research

Taking this course has given me a new outlook on research. Research is used in every aspect of our lives. We must analyze ideas and data to better understand the mysteries of life. Before taking this course I did not realize how important research was. I now realize the importance of thoroughly gathering an extensive amount of data to determine a course of action. It is critical to plan,design, and conduct research in early childhood.

My goal is to enhance my knowledge of the minds of the youth to enable me to creative innovative ideas and methods of teaching. There are challenges with everything in life. It is important to not let road blocks discourage me. There is simply confirmation of researching something new. I realize this role requires hard work and dedication. You must be able to embrace a challenge. The reward of enhancing children;' minds and changing the way they think makes all the hard work worth it.

Research Around the World

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) is an independent, self-governing, international association that promotes multi-disciplinary research on early childhood’s policy and practice. EECERA’s Annual Conference is the largest early childhood research conference in Europe which provides networking for scholars, policy makers, researchers and practitioners. The Journal of the Association (EECERJ) is the only European early childhood research cited in the prestigious Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) and is issued 5 times per year. (http://www.eecera.org/)

While researching the EECERJ I found several current international early childhood topics such as:

·         Breaking the cycle of poverty: challenges for European early childhood education and care.

·         A special challenge for Europe: the inclusion of Roma children in early years education and care.

·         Learning, assessment and equality in Early Childhood Education (ECE) settings in England

·         The early childhood education of disadvantaged children in China

·         The public-private partnership in ECEC provision in Norway

·         Childcare in the Netherlands: Lessons in privatization

These criteria’s of topics are chosen for the advancement of knowledge within a focused area of childhood studies that aims and promotes to high quality services for young children and families. (http://www.eecera.org/)

While exploring this website I surprisingly found that EECERA looks for different like-minded organizations for mutual support and information sharing. Before becoming a partner, the Board of Trustees has to ensure that they have similar aims and values by meeting certain criteria. Current links include:

·         The Korea Institute of Child Care and Education

·         Pacific Early Childhood Education Research Association

These different links gives information that is beneficial to help us learn about their approaches, perspectives, and solutions to many similar situations that we may face. It also helps us to avoid different situations in general and promotes cultural diversity. (http://www.eecera.org/)

Reference

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA
http://www.eecera.org/