After a search on the European Early Childhood Education Research Association website (www.eecera.org), I noticed a collection of their (special issue) journals-2013 has its overall theme centred around PLAY--Benefits of play in Early childhood; Digital play in EC, Teachers role in play, etc. An interesting topic I read about is the language use of pre-school teachers during children's dramatic play. Letting children get involved in role-play is not enough to help them develop their cognitive and language skills, but consciously using play-embedded instructional talk by teachers will help children improve on their communication skill and the frequency of their talk. A more detailed study is recommended on this topic so as to help teachers' practice.
With EECERA as one of the EC sites that publishes respected and prestigious journals in the world, I think it will be a good resource for my research simulation and maybe for any research I might want to undertake in the future. This site is informative and educating. I tried subscribing for their newsletter but got an error message, but I will do that during the week.
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Benefits of Research
Research indeed has been so beneficial to children and families in the developing countries. I remember vividly the issue of polio, whopping cough, cholera, measles, chickenpox as so tormenting to children some years back. Families were impoverished as many spent so much money in battling these diseases. Malaria in children and adults was a common death factor in Africa, but today, we don't hear so much about malaria killing people because new drugs are being discovered regularly to checkmate the effects on pregnant women, children and families. Thanks to research findings (particularly evidenced-based) that brought about vaccinations for these diseases.
Jonas Salk first discovered a vaccine for polio and then tried it out on people around him- himself, wife, children and friends. It worked when the vaccine produced antigens against polio cells
I will use myself as an example. When I was pregnant for my two kids, I was given anti-malaria drugs as part of my daily medication, in order for me not to get infected with malaria. In recent past most babies were affected by jaundice as result of pregnant women who had malaria. Some babies didn't survive and some are living with the effects till date as grown-ups. Research has changed the face of the story due to the discovery of anti-malaria drugs and vaccinations that are given to pregnant women. Also, as at when I had my two kids, there was a campaign going on about the benefits of breastfeeding. With all the information I had then due to research findings, I decided to do exclusive breastfeeding with my kids, though it was not easy. But I did it with the consciousness of the benefits I and my family would derive as they grow. I remember my daughter didn't have any cough or cold until she was about 9-months-old.
I will always appreciate those that gave, and are giving their time and energy in discovering most of the right information we have today especially in medicine and child healthcare.
Resource
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc/Early%20Head%20Start/multimedia/docs/mothers-milk-content-final.pdf
Jonas Salk first discovered a vaccine for polio and then tried it out on people around him- himself, wife, children and friends. It worked when the vaccine produced antigens against polio cells
I will use myself as an example. When I was pregnant for my two kids, I was given anti-malaria drugs as part of my daily medication, in order for me not to get infected with malaria. In recent past most babies were affected by jaundice as result of pregnant women who had malaria. Some babies didn't survive and some are living with the effects till date as grown-ups. Research has changed the face of the story due to the discovery of anti-malaria drugs and vaccinations that are given to pregnant women. Also, as at when I had my two kids, there was a campaign going on about the benefits of breastfeeding. With all the information I had then due to research findings, I decided to do exclusive breastfeeding with my kids, though it was not easy. But I did it with the consciousness of the benefits I and my family would derive as they grow. I remember my daughter didn't have any cough or cold until she was about 9-months-old.
I will always appreciate those that gave, and are giving their time and energy in discovering most of the right information we have today especially in medicine and child healthcare.
Resource
http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc/Early%20Head%20Start/multimedia/docs/mothers-milk-content-final.pdf
Friday, January 17, 2014
My Personal Research Journey
Doing a research course for the first time is still somewhat intimidating. After reading chapters 1 and 2 of our text, it makes me feel a bit fidgety about doing research because I know it is time, energy and money consuming. Nonetheless, I look forward to giving it a trail.
I have chosen to do a research simulation on children's brain development because I always wonder why some children are smarter than others or why some children develop faster than others. The major reason for choosing this topic is because of the disparities in my children's language development. My daughter could communicate well with an adult when she was just 18-months old but my son who is about 28months old presently has just a few words in his vocabulary. I explained to a Paediatrician who says boys are generally slower in language development. Ironically some boys speak faster than girls. Could it be that the problem is from the brain or a 'gender thing' as the paediatrician explained?
Secondly, I have learnt that experiences are stored in the brain, in other words experiences shape and determine the growth of the brain. I know of several adults who were neglected as children but are successful in their chosen walk of life. Could it be that negative challenges like neglect help build resilience or there are exceptional cases to research findings?
As a parent and EC professional, I know it's every parent and teacher's desire to see their children develop well and fast. I aim at using my research findings to be a better teacher and parent by implementing activities that aid brain development.
So far, I have learnt how to verify the quality of resources. This, I see as a major milestone I have achieved because I am depending so much on information gotten from the internet since I might not be able to carry out a first-hand research. I appreciate the knowledge gotten from this week's discussion and application and I am still working on mastering more research terms and procedures. Also, I have knowledge on how to read research articles that would safe my time and make my search easier and faster.
To my classmates, lets keep the ball rolling as I am eager to read about our findings, and more importantly to know the procedures and steps taken to achieve our endpoint. Hope to get help and advice from those who are experienced in research procedures.
I have chosen to do a research simulation on children's brain development because I always wonder why some children are smarter than others or why some children develop faster than others. The major reason for choosing this topic is because of the disparities in my children's language development. My daughter could communicate well with an adult when she was just 18-months old but my son who is about 28months old presently has just a few words in his vocabulary. I explained to a Paediatrician who says boys are generally slower in language development. Ironically some boys speak faster than girls. Could it be that the problem is from the brain or a 'gender thing' as the paediatrician explained?
Secondly, I have learnt that experiences are stored in the brain, in other words experiences shape and determine the growth of the brain. I know of several adults who were neglected as children but are successful in their chosen walk of life. Could it be that negative challenges like neglect help build resilience or there are exceptional cases to research findings?
As a parent and EC professional, I know it's every parent and teacher's desire to see their children develop well and fast. I aim at using my research findings to be a better teacher and parent by implementing activities that aid brain development.
So far, I have learnt how to verify the quality of resources. This, I see as a major milestone I have achieved because I am depending so much on information gotten from the internet since I might not be able to carry out a first-hand research. I appreciate the knowledge gotten from this week's discussion and application and I am still working on mastering more research terms and procedures. Also, I have knowledge on how to read research articles that would safe my time and make my search easier and faster.
To my classmates, lets keep the ball rolling as I am eager to read about our findings, and more importantly to know the procedures and steps taken to achieve our endpoint. Hope to get help and advice from those who are experienced in research procedures.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Friday, December 20, 2013
More on International Contacts
...But for this blog assignment of making international contacts, I wouldn't have known that issues such as poverty and inequity in quality Early Childhood EC exists in countries all around the world. I used to think these issues were peculiar to the under developed countries where poverty has eaten deep into the system.
First, I appreciate the information I got from Janella (a classmate) about Michigan. Apart from this, Janella made me do a research on EC in France which was so helpful in our discussion and assignments. Exchanging information with her, I learnt about these issues in Michigan and the various approach the community is using to reduce or eradicate them. Through this assignment, I have been able to reaffirm my goal of working in a French preschool knowing that France ranks one of the best in ECE. Thanks to Janella who brought up the idea of exchanging information about our resident countries!
Although, I met Chris Hussey towards the end of this course, but I am glad I did meet him. A professional relationship has been established and I can always contact him when the need be. In this short time, I got useful information from Chris that enlightened me on the general practices of ECE in the UK. I appreciate this contact because UK is nearer home and I can always decide to go over for a research practice or even jobs. Chris Hussey introduced me to more websites of ECE which will be added to my archives of useful sites. I can learn about trends in ECE in the UK from these sites.
Now, I feel I am part of the big family of EC professionals knowing that I can reach or make contacts with any other professional around the globe.
I am looking forward to making use of the information I got during this course as I relate with children of various background. I appreciate the fact that each culture and country has their strengths and weaknesses, I will work on children and families' individual strengths in order to make up for their weaknesses.
Finally, It was nice working with my (Group1) classmates this term. I was always challenged by the quality of information I got from the discussion board; and to Dr. Myers I say thanks for sharing a part of your knowledge and time with us. I appreciate so much also your understanding. Wishing everyone the best as we forge ahead in our academic pursuit!!
First, I appreciate the information I got from Janella (a classmate) about Michigan. Apart from this, Janella made me do a research on EC in France which was so helpful in our discussion and assignments. Exchanging information with her, I learnt about these issues in Michigan and the various approach the community is using to reduce or eradicate them. Through this assignment, I have been able to reaffirm my goal of working in a French preschool knowing that France ranks one of the best in ECE. Thanks to Janella who brought up the idea of exchanging information about our resident countries!
Although, I met Chris Hussey towards the end of this course, but I am glad I did meet him. A professional relationship has been established and I can always contact him when the need be. In this short time, I got useful information from Chris that enlightened me on the general practices of ECE in the UK. I appreciate this contact because UK is nearer home and I can always decide to go over for a research practice or even jobs. Chris Hussey introduced me to more websites of ECE which will be added to my archives of useful sites. I can learn about trends in ECE in the UK from these sites.
Now, I feel I am part of the big family of EC professionals knowing that I can reach or make contacts with any other professional around the globe.
I am looking forward to making use of the information I got during this course as I relate with children of various background. I appreciate the fact that each culture and country has their strengths and weaknesses, I will work on children and families' individual strengths in order to make up for their weaknesses.
Finally, It was nice working with my (Group1) classmates this term. I was always challenged by the quality of information I got from the discussion board; and to Dr. Myers I say thanks for sharing a part of your knowledge and time with us. I appreciate so much also your understanding. Wishing everyone the best as we forge ahead in our academic pursuit!!
Friday, December 13, 2013
Getting to Know my International Contact
Many thanks to Chris of the British Association of Early Childhood Education UK who was helpful with this blog assignment. Chris is based in the UK and he confirmed that the issue of teacher qualification is also on a top gear in the UK. From one of the sites he sent to me, there are debates on whether EC teachers should possess a degree or not and majority have voted in affirmation. But Chris said something that bugs me, he said some of the best teachers he had in the past were not degree holders, how do we then relate this to the fact that a teacher's qualification has a direct effect on children's development which Chris also confirmed? He is of the opinion that education might not be the ultimate in becoming a well seasoned teacher. Other issues of concern in the UK are school readiness and standardization.
Just like in some of the resources we read this week, teachers or EC professionals are expected to have regular training and upgrade of certificates in the UK. This should be done by employers
Chris hopes to be a research practitioner in the field of Education which it's why he is doing his PhD in Education. He looks forward to postulating more critical theories and has some already published. And then, he hopes to finish up as a consultant.
Chris' greatest challenge like most of us is fund to complete his PhD program. I wish Chris all the best in his pursuit in life.
Just like in some of the resources we read this week, teachers or EC professionals are expected to have regular training and upgrade of certificates in the UK. This should be done by employers
Chris hopes to be a research practitioner in the field of Education which it's why he is doing his PhD in Education. He looks forward to postulating more critical theories and has some already published. And then, he hopes to finish up as a consultant.
Chris' greatest challenge like most of us is fund to complete his PhD program. I wish Chris all the best in his pursuit in life.
Some helpful sites sent to me by Chris. Teachers qualification debate http://www.daynurseries.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/26/Debate-should-early-years-teachers-have-qualifed-teacher-status
Issues of School readiness and standardization
Saturday, December 7, 2013
EHS and Families
One of the outside links displayed on ZeroToThree website is Early Head Start https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/tta-system/ehsnrc. From this website, I decided to read about Home or family visitors as I am inclined to the fact Vasquez (personal communication, 2013) shared this week that families play a crucial role in children development. From this web page, families testified to the fact that visit from Early head start or EC professionals has been so beneficial to them. Some parents admitted that they were novice in child upbringing until they met some officials who saw them through challenging times with their kids. An important area that I appreciated the work of head start with families is their relationship with pregnant mothers. Knowing that development starts from the womb (Berger, 2012), Early head start take their time to lecture and nurture expectant mothers. They do this not minding culture or language difference which has solved the issue of inequity in terms of culture.
To me, this information is new as I don't live in the US, and it's good to hear and know that Early Head Start follow up expectant families and families with young children; helping and educating them in several areas like breastfeeding, sleeping methods, play, etc.
Funding is a major reason for inequity as we saw in our resources this week. As I searched this site further, I read that a certain amount of money was given to Early head start for the training and degree upgrading of her staff, so that all Early Head start teachers have at least associate baccalaureate or other higher degrees and then working experience. This will help teachers be responsive as child development has been linked to teacher's qualification.
References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood. Worth Publishers, NY New York
To me, this information is new as I don't live in the US, and it's good to hear and know that Early Head Start follow up expectant families and families with young children; helping and educating them in several areas like breastfeeding, sleeping methods, play, etc.
Funding is a major reason for inequity as we saw in our resources this week. As I searched this site further, I read that a certain amount of money was given to Early head start for the training and degree upgrading of her staff, so that all Early Head start teachers have at least associate baccalaureate or other higher degrees and then working experience. This will help teachers be responsive as child development has been linked to teacher's qualification.
References
Berger, K. S. (2012). The developing person through childhood. Worth Publishers, NY New York
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