Friday, 20 September 2013
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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Hi Nicola!
ReplyDeleteInteresting post! Research has become so advanced to investigate things such as this. The research in your post makes total sense! It also proves that research is beneficial in society. I find it amazing that we can better the lives of children by learning about their brain. Fascinating post and thanks for sharing!
Children benefit from research when it is used appropriately and thoughtfully, combined with the insights of experienced practitioners to create what has been called "evidence-based practice." Although there are obstacles to finding and using research effectively, much can be done to move toward "evidence-based professional practice."Research gives early childhood practitioners and policymakers essential knowledge to use in making decisions on behalf of young children and families. The goal is to integrate the best available research evidence with the wisdom and values of professionals and families.
ReplyDeleteHi Nicola,
ReplyDeleteI found your post full of many interesting points. i agree with your thoughts relating to a child's earliest experiences. I also agree that the plasticity of the brain is amazing. Because of our ability to constantly learn new things and new ways of accomplishing life's tasks our social-emotional development is also undergoing changes.
Psychoanalyst Erik Erikson theorized that humans progress through eight stages of social-emotional development from birth to old age. At each stage, a person is faced with a conflict. His environment and experiences determine whether he develops a positive or negative personality trait resulting from the conflict. The four stages occurring from infancy to early adolescence inform the development of hope, will, purpose and confidence.
I also feel that our environmental influences play a very important part in how much we change and develop as we become who we are.
Though the science community continues to debate exactly how the brain works, there is no doubt that environment and experiences play a major role in a child's psychological development. As the Zero to Three center states, "Responsive relationships with consistent primary caregivers help build positive attachments that support healthy social-emotional development." These early relationships influence social and emotional development throughout the remainder of childhood.
LIVESTRONG.COM - Psychological Development & Early Childhood ...
www.livestrong.com/article/258061-psychological...
http://www.livestrong.com/article/258061-psychological-development-early-childhood/
Hi Nicola,
ReplyDeleteThis is the type of research that helps all types of professionals who come into contact with children. Understanding how the brain works in children gives insight into the unique qualities children hold. Children once were thought of as empty headed, wandering miniature adults. Through time with research of this nature, we see that children are very present and responsive of their current environment.
Hi Nicola,
ReplyDeleteVery informative post! I think that it is great that research has found out so much information about how children learn, play and think. It is great to be able to share this information with educators and parents. We can learn a great deal from this type of research. Thanks for sharing!