Research Around the World

Early Childhood Australia:

* What are some of the current international research topics?

1. Play based learning

2. Is discussion relating to sexuality in Early Childhood dangerous business?

3. Researching with/for whom? Stepping in and out of practitioner research.

* What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?

I saw something that said Long Day care. I fond out that it is basically the same as our daycare here in the United States. It is daycare for children of working families. It can also be care before and after school.


* What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
I saw things on the site that are very similar to what we have here in the United states. They are selling scarves and different toys for children. It was neat to see that they do some of the same things we do to educate our young children. There was a whole list of books and different teaching aids available for purchase. The website was real interesting and I saved it in my favorites so I can refer to it from time to time.

Uplifting Stories

The story that came to mind of me is our Conscious Discipline that we have been studying with Becky Bailey. This is an alternative form of discipline that has been researched and it is making positive impact on children. This form of discipline puts the focus on the child and the child's feelings. One of our children was a real problem in the classroom. He was real defiant and violent. We began implementing this Conscious Discipline at the beginning of the school year. The teacher and assistant are using all the techniques and even shared them with his mom so she could implement them as well at home. This boy has made a complete turn around! This is almost the end of the school year and it has made a difference in his life. This is one positive effect that I can see from their research. I am not as involved in the Conscious Discipline as the teaching staff is, but I am eager to get more familiar with it. Has anyone ever heard of it before? Does anyone live in Florida, because I believe that is where it is based?

Research Simulation

The topic I chose is Increasing Parental Involvement. I chose this topic because I have problems getting parents involved in our Head Start classrooms. It would make such a difference in the education of the children if parents would get involved. The questions that I had to go over in my head for the assignment were so many. I did enjoy coming up with them because it made me think about what is it I really want to know? I am also interested in knowing if anyone has any ideas for increasing parental involvement not just in the classroom but at home. This would involve using methods of teaching at home and being involved in homework and school extension activities?
My questions for researching increasing parental involvement are:

1. Why are parents reluctant to get involved?
2. What are some strategies that have been successful in involving parents in the past?
3. Should we offer an incentive to entice parents to be involved?

Anyone who has suggestions or comments on these questions please feel free to comment. Also, if you know where I can find resources for answers to these questions, please leave them here for me. Thanks!