Research Around the World

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

What are some of the current international research topics?

The researchers associated with this international organization have sought to overcome the issues that affect families and children the most. Consituents are urged to inquire about the family, children and culture of the various regions of Africa and the Middle East. The influential issues of these regions are: socio-econmic/political, religious, policy and demogrpahic matters. Acquring this influential information will allow reseachers the ability to postively infuence the nation on expanding early childhood care, promoting professional training and implementing instrumental resources and curriculum.


What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

I was inspired by ECDVU of the Middle East and North Africa and how they have intiated a leadership development in these countries. I am no stranger to leadership, hence my enrollment in Walden University's leadership, management and administration degree. Leadership is an important gift, so reading upon the influence EDCVU has on middle eastern and African cultures was interesting and enlightening.



What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

While navigating the page, I read about The Sustained Emphasis on Networking and "Ripple Effects". This particular intiative is derived from utilizing knowledge. "Commensurate with the ECDVU philosophy is a belief that for knowledge to be relevant and maximally useful, it should be generated through an interaction of knowledge and beliefs arising from many sources - indigenous and external" (Early Childhood Development Virtual University & Sub-Saharan Africa, 2012).

Early Childhood Development Virtual University/Sub-Saharan Africa. (n.d.) home, about, publications, communities, learners. Retrieved from Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa

Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories

Option 2:
Imagine that you possess the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field. Imagine further that you are not restricted by the reality of the present. Imagine that your study will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families. What topic would you choose? What can you imagine the positive contribution(s) would be?



I believe that I would conduct my research on the topic that I have chosen for this research class, Diversity. I would conduct my research by utilizing the subtopic: Diversity and it relates to literature and media representation. First, I would poll students with parental consent and enclose them in a play therapy session, where researchers can see the students yet, the students cannot see the researchers. I would provide various literature, toys and media representations for the children. I would then see which diverse toy, video the children are more apt to choose. I would then follow this research by having a therapist or developmentalist ask them questions about media and literature that represented different culture. In addition, I would ask the children what they thought or have experienced about the different cultures...This would be the 'gist' of my research, absent of all formatities and knowledge containing formal research!

My Personal Research Journey

My time as Walden has truly been a beneficial. I have learned how to build upon my passion and my gift for children. I gained knowledge of children and how they develop and I have even learned about the issues and trends that influence the world of child development. It was due to the wisdom learned that I was able to create a basis for research. During these last few weeks, I have decided to research the topic of diversity. This issue of diversity has been dissected into the following subtopics: 1. Diversity as it relates to curriculum, literature and media representation 2. Diversity as it relates to professional representation and pedagogy 3. Diversity as it relates to the ‘achievement gap’. Being a Kindergarten teacher of children whose first language is NOT English, this research would not only be beneficial for me in the future but can also be impactful, presently. In addition, being an African American female, I have personally experienced learning imbedded with vast biases, so, this would be a great opportunity for me to become involved in the notion of creating equity in education.

Throughout this journey, the voice of my colleagues has been and continues to be very critical. Collaboration is definitely a word that means a great deal in the field of early childhood education. The resources provided in week 1 and 2 of this course has truly been a foundation for me. I wish you all the best in your research endeavours and look forward to planning with you.


Janille


Resources:


Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A practical guide to reading research articles. Retrieved from Laureate Education Inc.

National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Using early childhood research. NAEYC. Retrieved from http://www.naeyc.org/research/using