The Positive Effects of Research on Children



Research can make a positive change in the lives of children and their families. I am intrigued by the current and recent research being done on the brain of young children. The implications of this research are far reaching. It can be used to educate parents and caregivers about the critical window of opportunity in a child's life that can ensure a child's healthy development. For example, Research proves that a child's early development is determined by his daily environment and experiences, rather than genetics alone. The experiences young children receive in the first three years of life are crucial to brain development. As your child receives loving care and stimulation, neural connections are formed between his brain cells. These connections form the wiring system of the brain. Your child's early experiences largely determine the strength and function of her brain's wiring system. Warm responsive parents, who cuddle and talk to their children and provide challenging learning experiences, promote healthy brain development for their children.
New technology allows the thorough study of the brain, like we've never seen before. These studies prove that a child's early development is determined by his daily environment and experiences, rather than genetics alone. Researchers now believe it is the plasticity of the brain, its ability to develop and change in response to the demands of the environment, that enables a child to learn to use computers, solve mathematical problems and learn foreign languages. In order to fully understand this information, we must first understand how a child's brain works and develops.
Researchers now believe it is the plasticity of the brain, its ability to develop and change in response to the demands of the environment, that enables a child to learn to use computers, solve mathematical problems and learn foreign languages. In order to fully understand this information, understand how a child's brain works and develops.
These new developments in brain research show us what children need. Early childhood professionals are able to learn about young children and how best to cater for their needs. Parents also benefit from this information.

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Building Research Competencies. EDUC 6163

                                                  
              Hi Colleagues,
                                Great to be blogging with you all once again!
  


                                                      Beginning My Research Simulation

I have decided to focus on the topic 'Transition'. I want to research this area because it is important to children and their families and also because it needs much attention in my country. My research topic will likely read:  
                 "Ways of improving the transition program from nursery to early primary".

One may ask why it is important to give attention to children’s transition in school. The answer is quite simple. That this is the time when systems fail children the worst and that is the time they most urgently need attention (Rodrigues, 2000).  A quality Transition to School continues children's development and learning, building resilience at this key life cycle transition point for school and life generally.  Pianta (2004) writes that a good transition to school process ensures children will start school ready to learn and schools will be ready for children.  It should build on children's prior learning and develop strong links between parents, prior to school and during school.  There is much to be learned from parents and prior-to-school services about what children already know when they enter school.

               Currently, the state of transition from nursery to the early primary levels in Guyana is unacceptable.The time period is clearly inadequate.

         I believe that this process does not give the young learners a fair chance to succeed. Preparation for success is the best way to achieve it and it is my belief that a quality transition program can prepare the children to achieve much.

                       I believe that this process needs to be examined thoroughly and this can be done through a research of this nature. If the problems can be identified and rectified, then many children may have a chance at success during those early years. Parents must be educated about the importance of this process to the child and know how they can contribute to it. However, there is a need to find out how best this should all be done.

        Thus far I am enjoying this research simulation process. I like the way Dr Todd is taking us through the various aspects of this course bit by bit with examples and explanations to help clarify and help build our competencies in research. Hope the entire process will be a similar experience. I am still somewhat nervous about getting to the analysis and calculations. Do you have any advice on how I can master this particular aspect of research? Will be happy to hear your thoughts.