In taking this course I have had several insights. I have become aware of the propensity to approach research in a male, Euro-centric, elitist perspective in the past. Before the course I would’ve considered many researchers as being more open to different possibilities and less stereotypical due to the nature of their profession but this is not the case. It was very informative to see the different techniques and styles of research. The sections on Qualitative and Quantitative were very helpful. My ideas on the nature of doing research have changed. The research design process is more extensive then I had previously considered. There are many considerations to take into account when planning research, what are the risks involved, is it an ethical project, do you have the proper permissions from guardians and participants? Design wise you must consider what type of process you will use, quasi-experimental, mixed method etc. Extraneous variables must be taken into account and issues of validity dealt with. If a project is not well thought out, designed and planned for the data will be affected and may not be viable. I did find the design and simulation process extremely challenging, there is so much to consider. I met these challenges as best as I could by reviewing the factors multiple times and working to understand them and how they affect the outcome of research and the well being of participants. As an early childhood professional I realize the value of research to our field. I am more aware of the ethical and design concerns that researcher’s face and what a delicate balance the process is.

I decided to explore the website Early Childhood Australia in order to examine research topics in that part of the world. There were many current research topics to see including:

·         Professional partnership in children’s services: working together for children

·         Learning Positive Behavior Through Educator-Child relationships

·         Play and Quality in Early Childhood: Educating Super-Hero’s and Fairy Princesses

·         Cultural Expression as a Tool for Change: Stories About Quality Improvement

·         Secure Transitions: Supporting children to feel secure, confident and included

     It was insightful to see a project that focused on sustainability, even at the young age of preschool. There was quite a bit of research on teaching greener living to the children. Also there were projects on nurturing spirituality in children which is a topic that you don’t see too often in mainstream childcare. Most of the topics I found were very similar to the types of study and research we see here in the United States. The topics were globally current.

            Aside from research there was a lot of good information on ethical codes, developmentally appropriate practice and best practice techniques. Much of the information is equally viable in our own country.