When I Think of Research

The insights I have gained about research from taking this course are:

1. Having a basic understanding the research process

2. Selecting a topic that’s not too broad and researchable

3. How to go about choosing participates for the research

4. Will the research be quantitative or qualitative?

5. Choosing the right design that will fit the research

In what ways have my ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

My understanding of how research is done has changed. I never knew so many components go into research. I have learned so much about the nature of good research and I look forward to learning how to apply what I have learned.

The lessons I have learned about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood is that it is not as easy as it seems. The thought process is hard, takes a lot of time, and revising to formulate a topic that is researchable.

Some of the challenges I encountered was the research process. I have never looked at research the way it was explained in this course. It language used was different for me. With Dr. Davis guiding me and reading my colleagues post, especially Stephanie throughout this course I understand how research is done and the right questions to ask.

This course has been a real challenge for me, but a great learning experience. I have enjoyed the discussion with my colleagues and the comments from Dr. Davis. I wish everyone success in their other courses. I hope to be able to share with you again.

Tonetta Bogard- Marion

Reference:

  Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., Siraj-Blatchford, I, (2010).  Doing Early Childhood Research

Blog Assignment: Research around the World

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa: Mission Statement

To further develop African ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development.

ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) Program Overview

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) is an innovative and multifaceted approach to addressing ECD capacity building and leadership development in Africa. The ECDVU is supported by a range of international, regional and local organizations, including the employers of participants. It is a unique training and results-oriented program that uses face-to-face and distributed learning methods including: residential seminars, web-based instruction, CD-Rom and print material support, and a 'community of learners' strategy within and among cohort countries. Typically, ECDVU participants are nominated by ECD country committees; these committees' nominations are based on achieving inter-sect oral, multi-organizational representation and evidence of individual commitment to child well-being and broader social development within the country. Nominees accept responsibility for promoting ECD capacity within their country, their region and internationally.

The first topic I chose was the Development of an Integrated Early Childhood Development Urban Model Training Program for Informal Minders and Community Volunteers in Ghana.

The facts and insights I gain was the Ghana office of UNICEF introduced the IECD program aimed at promoting the survival, growth, protection, and education, all key components of development of the child aged 0-8 years, and worked to develop a working model for ECD centre which can also be used in communities where there are no such centre.   

The second topic I chose was the Status of Coordination and Supervision of Early Childhood Education in Ghana.

This topic emphasis on coordination and supervision of ECD programs the research discussed the evidence and rationale for coordination and supervision, types of coordination and some guiding principles for effective coordinating, how it has worked successfully in some other countries and the lessons learnt from those countries.

The noteworthy information that I have gained from the website is that countries around the world are taking steps to improve early childhood programs.

Reference:

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

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php