What I Learned

This course has really opened my eyes to how extensive a research study can be! I have always associated the word research with the following steps: choose a topic, read three resources, and write an essay describing what I learned. This is way off base from the research done in the early childhood field. I now look at research as a means to prove or disprove what is considered best/worst practices in education.

I am still intimidated when I think of completing a study myself, but I feel better prepared if  I was called upon. I am excited that I am better able to understand current research.

I have enjoyed learning with, and from, my classmates as we have travelled through this journey. Many of you are very inspiring to me. Good Luck in the future!

Research Around the World

I chose to explore the European site. I was excited to find that a major topic for research on this site is the importance of play in early education. I found several journal articles documenting the study of play in different areas. One area was the comparison of make-believe play to academic skills. Another area was the importance of outdoor play with emphasis on safety and making connections with the environment.
I was excited because this is the exact sub-topic on which I have chosen to focus my research simulation. I will be using some of these journal articles for  reference!