When I Think of Research...

Before taking this research competency course I thought that research was this big thing looming somewhere down the road in front of me that required too much work to enjoy.  Now, at the conclusion of the course, I think I can say perhaps it can be enjoyable if you choose a topic that is interesting to you.  I would still say that research requires a lot of work, but if you pace yourself, have a plan, and stick to that plan then research can go smoothly.  I found that research is much more in-depth than I originally thought it was.  I did not realize that there were different kinds of research and so many methods of doing things.  It was a challenge to learn all the different aspects and methods but in the long run I know that it will be useful and that it was worth it.  I also learned that it is very important to have a plan before beginning and that it's okay if that plan needs to be modified as a study continues. 

Research Around The World

European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA)

The EECERA is a prestigious organization in Europe.  It holds annual conferences, this year's conference entitled "Us, Them, & Me: Universal, Targeted or Individuated Early Childhood Programmes".  The association is made up of several special interest groups: Birth to Three, Equity and Respect for Diversity, Gender Balance, 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.  Many of these topics are also widely debated within the United States.

The EECERA reminds me very much of our own National Education Association (NEA).  I was a little surprised at the similarities, but as I made my way around the website a little more I found myself becoming less and less surprised.  Why would children across the ocean be so different than those here?  Kids are kids!  No matter where they are on this earth they will have many of the same issues, questions, risks, perspectives, etc.  Sure there will be some bigger risks or concerns in some countries than others, but all kids are very similar.

The EECERA may be a good resource to keep in mind for future research/studies.  Although I need to pay for some issues of the journal they publish it may be worth it depending on the availability of resources and type of research.