When I Think of Research...

When first starting this class I was unsure of what to expect because of my unfamiliarity with research design and especially involving the topic of early childhood. During this course I have learned the process of research design and now understand the concepts of research which once seemed so complicated. For instance, narrowing a topic in to sub topics, learning to transform a research question in to a hypothesis, and choosing appropriate methods of which conduct a simulation project. I have learned that research derives from a comparison of people who are considered of the “norm”, with the intent to create change or govern behavior. I appreciate the regulations that have been placed on research of children in areas of ethics, consent and deciding if the benefit of research outweigh the risks. The challenges that I encountered were in deciding what method of research would appropriately fit my simulation. I found my self debating between a mixed method design and mufti method design of qualitative research. In order to decide the best method I attempted to learn as much as possible about the two methodological choices and compare ways that both of them would fit in to my research simulation. I decided using a mixed method design of both qualitative and quantitative data best fit because of because it would provide a accurate measurement of data and deep observations and discussions. I have learned that early child hood professionals who conduct research are especially valuable because they provide insight and standards in to the field for other professionals to build upon. I have also found a new respect for those conducting research who spend great lengths of time and dedication to seeking outcomes that add value and enhancement to the early childhood field.

Research Around the World

The research topics that I found on Early Childhood Virtual University SSA web page were committed to the educational efforts of numerous countries and communities by devotion to children's development and family/ community Awareness relevant in those particular Rural and urban areas. For example , one particular study ;The Development of an Integrated Early Childhood Development Urban Model Training Program for Informal Minders and Community Volunteers in Ghana. This program is Holistic development of the child through training those working in childcare centers such as child minders and community volunteers in urban/slum communities on appropriate curricula methods and materials to be used (health, nutrition,and, psycho-social development).

Health Issues

Immunization

Common childhood illnesses – identification, causes, prevention and treatment (traditional and orthodox) Safe water and sanitation

Personal cleanliness (care of the body) and clothing

Environmental cleanliness

First aid treatment

Child growth and development (basic needs)

Self-help skills and health habits (for children and the IMs and CVs)

Oral health 
 Nutritional Issues

Education about nutrition and key food groups required for optimum child development

Developmentally adequate diet and feeding the preschooler (what to eat, when, how)

Link between physical ailments and micro-nutrients

Preparation of food for the preschooler

Psychosocial Development

Interaction with children – child stimulation activities

Play and its importance in the life of the child

Identification of play activities (traditional and foreign)

Materials children play with (traditional and foreign)

Preparation of play materials

Attitudes/practices towards encouraging children to interact with each other and with adults

Gender issues – equal treatment for boys and girls

In Nigeria, a study,"Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development" is highlighted of fathers and their involvement in child upbringing. It also examines the extent to which culture, beliefs and other influences affect fathers’ involvement in childcare. The study examines fathers’ role in early childhood care and development in Shanna Community, a Tiv tribe in Benue State, Nigeria. An area of question was whether the role accorded to men is actually being carried out fully by the men. Recommendations involved development of a project to focus on fathers’ involvement initiatives in a community; formalized education training in the area of parent involvement; building a stronger connection when developing an initiative that can be clearly implemented to the community; and, that such activities must move slowly, beginning by building a male-friendly environment that facilitates the culture of male involvement in the program.

Overall I feel this website is a useful tool of knowledge for many people of Sub-Saharan Africa. It's involves learnig experiences of people directly connected to these various communities and groups of people and applies this information in a non-traditional learning manner. This online program provides many the opportunity for educational awareness that can be applied to the good of developing in those communities. Also there are courses available by qualified professional which blends the teaching approaches. I especially enjoyed reading the particular stories of those who have completed the course work of this online program and are serving their communities through educational leadership.



Retrved from Early Childhood Development Virtual University, ECDVU Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).  School Of Child and Youth Care University Of Victoria  http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php