When I think of research.....

 I have found this course extremely beneficial to me.  Previously, I had no knowledge of the research process.  I not only learned how to develop a research design, how to collect data, and validity, but also the importance of choosing the right participants,  ethics when conducting research with children and equity challenges during the research process. 

My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed.  Eight weeks ago, I was terrified at the thought of conducting a research.  Learning how each part of the research process works and why it is important, has helped me to build my confidence.  I now feel eager to get involved in research in the early childhood field.

I did encounter some challenges during the past eight weeks.  First, I found it challenging completing the research review.  I learned that I had to become more specific with my topic.  Second, I was nervous about choosing the correct design for my study.  I was excited to learn about the mixed method approach.  These challenges have definitely helped me to grow my knowledge.

I was dreading this course in the beginning!  Research enables professionals to continually learn about the changes in early childhood which makes the field stronger.  I learned how fascinating research in the field of early childhood education can be.  A big thank you to Dr. Dartt who taught me how to like, understand, and not fear conducting research.

Research Around the World

    The European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) advocates and publishes multi-disciplinary research on early childhood and its relevance to policy and practice.  This organization seeks to preserve and expand the great beliefs of European early childhood, including the theories of Pestalozzi, Owen, Froebel, Steiner, Vygotsky, Piaget, Malaguzzi, and others while encouraging the research of new paradigms, methodologies, concepts and applications in the continuously changing field of early childhood.
  
   I found this website very informative.  There is a section called special interest groups.  This includes topics such as birth to three, equity and respecting diversity, leadership and integration, learning and participation, outdoor play and learning, professionalism in early childhood education and care, rethinking play, transitions, young children's perspectives, and working with parents and families.  This organization also has a conference every year in a different European country and they publish their highly acclaimed journal four times a year.

Please take a look at this website (http://www.eecera.org) is you have a chance.