Hi Colleagues,
Thanks once again for all the contributions you made throughout this course. They were a source of support for me. I wish you all the best in your upcoming course and look forward to your continued collegial support.

This course was very insightful. The concepts of research with young children that I have learned have been concreted in my mind. Concepts such as triangulation, identifying scholarly from non- scholarly research ,  constructing research questions from which a hypothesis could be drawn and excreta.

My ideas about the nature of doing research have changed. Before, I thought that the quantitative design method was the only approach used when conducting research. I have learned that various approaches can be used and that the more methods used the more valid the information is likely to be. My approach to doing research has changed in that I am now able to utilize a mixed method approach to research. I have found this approach workable.I also realize that it is important to adhere to key ethical issues when conducting research with children. Overall because of the knowledge gained through this course. I am more positive about this whole notion of research. I am more opened and willing to put into practice all that I have learned.

I have learned about the various approaches that can be applied to research in early childhood.  Structuring the research question to avoid ambiguity is important. I have also realized that research questions play a key role in determining what design approach is suitable for the study and that the research can only be well designed if what is to be researched is clearly understood by the researcher.

There are a few things that I found quite challenging during the course, but I was able to overcome them. Initially I found the task of identifying and writing research questions and the hypothesis difficult, but as I followed the guidelines given by Dr Todd I was able to refine my question and make it more suitable. Distinguishing between scholarly and non- scholarly articles on the internet was another challenge. I met this challenge by following the guidelines set out  and completing the activities. Through this process I was able to gain a clearer understanding of these concepts.

Before this course I never saw the ECH professional, especially the classroom practitioner as one who  engages in regular research activities with her students and their families. What I have realized is that the ECH practitioner constantly utilizes opportunities to research, so that they can keep updated on the new trends in early childhood. I have also realized that the effective ECH practitioner is one who conducts research regularly with her children in order to cater adequately for their needs. I now see the the ECH professional as a someone who embraces and engages in research practices to improve the life of young children and their families. 

Research Around the World

The link that I selected is http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

• What are some of the current international research topics?
• Some of the topics that are current on this link are:
• Coordination and Supervision of Early Childhood Education in Ghana- This study identified the factors which militate against the successful implementation of early childhood education in Ghana. Information and insights werre provided into the coordination and implementation of ECD programs and activities, and the study attempted to identify the basis for improving such programs in Ghana. The findings will provide inputs for initial in-service training for ECD organizers and educators, and will throw light on the structures that need to be put into place for effective program management.
• Improving the Quality of Childcare Through Parenting Enrichment and Training- This research focused on how Eritrea has embarked on a journey to use alternative strategies, both formal and non-formal, to promote the holistic development of children from birth through six years. One such strategy is the Eritrea Parenting Enrichment intervention.Families and communities, as well as broader social and cultural contexts, make up a complex background for the process of parenting and parenting support. Effective Early Childhood Development (ECD) takes all these factors into consideration. 

• What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
• I was surprized to learn that many countries in sub-Saharan Africa have continued to be poorly represented due to successive wars and droughts, the overall opportunities created for early years’ interventions have remained of low quality and limited to only a small percentage of children.
• During the period 1998-1999, only 5% of children aged 5-6 were enrolled in kindergarten centres, most of them in urban areas (Ministry of Education, 1999). Regarding the health sector, apart from the existence of immunization services, health interventions reaching young children have been very inadequate. High levels of poverty and illiteracy, especially among women, make the situation worse. As an early childhood professional these issues highlighted sadden me but makes me aware of the struggles that chilldren face in other parts of the world.
          

• What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
• I was pleased to learn that the EIECDP aims to achieve a 20 percent decrease in fatality cases in children from the five major causes – malaria, ARI, diarrhoea, measles and malnutrition, a 20 percent decrease in malnutrition – as measured by prevalence of underweight in children below 6 years of age, a 20 percent decrease in repetition and dropout rates between grades 1 and 2, and the reunification of 32,000 orphans with their nearest relatives by the year 2005. In addition, the project will reach 31,000 children from 5 to 6.