International Research: Australia

In this week's post I was given the opportunity to explore early childhood research internationally. I chose to find out more about Autstralia's efforts in the field. To guide my search I focused on these guiding questions:

• What are some of the current international research topics?
• What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
• What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?

 In Australia some of the current research topics are how to teach children sustainability practices, how to teach children positive behavior and the importance of play and the quality of play.I was very intrigued by the work being done to integrate a strong understanding of the importance of our environment and how to sustain it. I have a friend who is currently working on a masters in Australia in the field of environment protection and sustainability. Through his experiences I have learned more about the general perspective of Australians regarding the environment and the research that is being done. So, I was pleased to learn that the influence is trickling down to the children, educating them so that as they grow up sustainability practices are the norm rather than a hassle. I certainly believe the U.S. should adopt similar practices.While visiting the website I learned that the organization produces a publication that explains and summarizes recent research findings in language that is clear and free of jargon for any child care providers to read including parents and professionals. I often find that many of the latest findings in our  field remain within the field rather than being shared with the general public so that they may also make use of the new knowledge in their daily practices with children. I am pleased to see that there is a forum for new research to be shared with the general public.

Research Benefiting Children and Families

This week I was charged with responding to the following prompt:

Imagine that you possess the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field. Imagine further that you are not restricted by the reality of the present. Imagine that your study will make a major positive contribution to the well-being of children and/or their families. What topic would you choose? What can you imagine the positive contribution(s) would be?

I would choose to study families and poverty. Previously this has not been a huge interest for me however I have always recognized the significant impact it has on families in all aspects of life for generations. I know that any research with significant findings would be beneficial to these families. While I am not sure exactly what the research would focus on I would like its findings to provide practical guidance for impoverished families. The research would give hope to families proving that the means that are available to them are enough for their children to overcome the cycle. Such means would include the ability to instill love, a sense of safety, and self-worth in their children among others. The research would even give examples of how this can be done. In time and with hard work these sensibilities could help children lift themselves at least one level higher within the income level of their community. This would lead to a new cycle of prosperity. I am not naive enough to think that just one study can do all this but I am hopeful that it can be a catalyst to a few who with hard work ,and opportunity can improve their way of life and that of their family for generations to come. The most important part in the research and quite possibly the most challenging would be to share its findings with families and to get them to believe in the study and put forth what is sure to be hard work. Great research is beneficial to no one if it is not first believed in and then implemented with fidelity. 

 

Research Simulation

 The topic I have chosen for the simulation is; How can parents help establish a strong mathematical foundation before children reach school age. I choose this topic because many parents don't realize small steps that they can take to help support mathematical concepts at a young age. Many families understand the importance of reading or just do so natural as it is a common practice to read to children. When it comes to math many wait for school and teachers to begin this process. I would also like to learn about what parents can do once their children become school age. I think a challenge to this topic will be findings articles as I tend to have some trouble thinking of key words and phrases to search for in the library database. Any suggests would be appreciated.