When I Think of Research...

When I first began this journey on Building Research Competencies, I was overwhelmed with thoughts of collecting data, graphs, tables, and scientific terminology! But at the end of it all, I can confidently say that I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the foundations of research and how it pertains to the early childhood field! One insight that I have gained is how detailed and complex research can be. From the various methods used to collect and analyze data to the criteria needed to ensure the validity of the study, I now have a full awareness that scientific projects require a variety of perspectives and considerations before the study even begins!

Of course there were some challenges! One of the challenges that I encountered was trying to understand the various terminology found in research and grasp how to apply certain methods to a study. But, using the Understanding Research Chart was an extreme help because it allowed me to review certain terms and then redefine those terms in my own words for better understanding. It is my personal opinion that the chart allowed further appreciation of the concepts and terms found within a particular chapter. This as well as the course, Building Research Competencies has modified my perceptions of an early childhood professional by giving me more insight on the process and methods used within research. I am more excited and have discovered a new-found passion for the early childhood field because of the in-depth knowledge I have gained about research and how it can be used to benefit and further the early childhood field, its learners, families, and community as a whole!

Research Around the World

The website I chose to further explore was the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (www.eecera.org). Some of the current international research topics that can be found on this site are: A socio-cultural perspective on children's early language: a family study and Interacting with children in preschool: a crossroad in early childhood education. From what I could find on the site as an example of current international research topics, these two articles are the most recent.

In exploring this international early childhood website, a new insight that I gained was exploring The Korea Institute of Child Care and Education which was a link found on the site. This organization conducts five different research projects. Major, Occasional, General, Cosigned, and Joint research projects. Under each category, there are several projects that have been conducted. The KICCE has 12 "projects" that guide their work:

- Strengthening basic research on long-term childcare Policy
- Suggesting transformative paradigm for cooperative childcare policy
- Strengthening strategic researches for the integration and implementation of childcare and education
- Constructing the role as a hub for research on ECEC policy
- Expanding research on future-oriented ECEC Policy
- Strengthening international networks and cooperation for improving research ability
- Strengthening research on child care support policies for solving blind spots
- Developing a customized research development system for ECEC policies specifically for the policy customers
- Offering people-friendly childcare policy information and communication system
- Strengthening organizational specialty and multidisciplinary research capabilities
- Establishing a reasonable evaluation and reward system
- Building a strong sense of community within the organization

Other noteworthy information that I found on this website was they have certain requirements that are outlined for potential partners of the this organization and is considered "Criteria for Acceptance as an EECERA Partner and for Linked Organization Websites":

Partner Organisations and those wishing to exchange 'links' with EECERA's website should:

- have aims and values congruent with EECERA's aims and values,
- have an established, sustained interest in research, policy and practice related to young children and families,
- have a transparent financial and management infrastructure,
- be non-profit making,
- be focused, primarily, on developing public services,
- not be affiliated or primarily financed by politically orientated bodies or individuals.

EECERA encourages links to its site where organisations can demonstrate these criteria.

I find the above information noteworthy because it highlights the integrity this organization (EECERA) has towards the people and children that it serves. Such guidelines secure that whomever takes interest in partnering with this website will uphold the same values and desires to advance the children, families, and the early childhood field.