RESEARCH JOURNEY

        

Research has proven to be a very interesting and important subject for me. I have gained many insights that I was not aware of. For instance there are many different techniques and uses that are involved in the research process. I was under the impression that research was a simple process and that all you had to do was collect information and analyze it and that was that. This course has taught me how to take a professional approach on early childhood research and take a deeper look at what the true meaning of research is. Many factors are indispensable in research and they cannot be overlooked, they must be followed to get to the outcome goal. For example researchers must decide what research design they will use and they have to think how will  they choose their participants. They must use ethical and correct procedures when working with children. Researchers should be educated on child development and use age appropriate methods. I understand the importance of using young children as participants in research and know that it is beneficial. In spite of all these positive outlooks I, have a difficult time accepting the issue that young children are developmentally ready to understand and consent to being researched. I hope that in the future researchers can come up with a solution on this issue and respect the rights of young children. This course has opened my eyes on looking at the whole picture not just what is in front of me, but what are the configurations of things. I have a new view when my little students ask why? This to me shows that they are thinking like little researchers looking for answers and trying to find outcomes and reasons for the world around them. I would also like to thank Dr. Davis for all her knowledge, patience and passion that she has shared with all of us. Again Walden receives an A for educators.

INTRNATIONAL WEB

     This week we had to research international websites I was very impressed by Early Childhood Australia: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/ ,This site explores many early childhood issues such as ECA calls on all political parties to respond to national early childhood priorities, Budget implications for early childhood, Government must act to end child detention and Making a positive transition from pre-school to kindergarten. I was very interested in the topic on child detention this caught my eye and I looked into this in a more in depth way and would like to share the article with all of you.

MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 1 May 2012

Government must act to end child detention

Detention of children in Australia must end and the 428 children currently waiting for immigration processing in detention must be placed in the community, according to Early Childhood Australia (ECA), the peak organization dedicated to advocacy for young children in Australia.

In May, the global End Immigration Detention of Children campaign is putting a spotlight on Australia’s ongoing immigration detention of children.

ECA Chief Executive Officer Pam Cahir said she wholeheartedly supported the campaign and hoped its special focus on Australia this month would motivate the Federal Government to take action to properly protect children’s rights.

“It’s a huge concern that children are being put into detention in this country. A compassionate Government should be promoting and protecting the rights of all children and young people, including those seeking asylum.

“The government needs to show moral leadership in dealing with the complexities of this situation and place families with children and unaccompanied minors in the community while their claims are assessed.”

Ms Cahir said the healthy psychosocial development of children depends in large measure on the nurturing and stimulation that children receive as they grow, and on the opportunities that they have to learn new skills.

“For refugee children, healthy development and wellbeing also requires coping effectively with the multiple trauma of loss, uprooting from culture and place and often more damaging experiences.

“For children in detention the trauma of this experience is exacerbated. ”

Ms Cahir said ECA would like to see the government act swiftly to ensure that not one more child is placed in detention in Australia.

ECA have developed the following recommendations in relation to refugee children and children of asylum seekers:

• Families with children and unaccompanied minors should be placed in the community while their claims are assessed.
• In the event that an application for refugee status is unsuccessful and families and unaccompanied minors cannot return to their home country, families and unaccompanied minors should continue to live in the community until such time as they can return home.
• Families should have access to the support they need to care for their children and participate in the community.

This has been very disturbing for me to learn,  and I would expect this from a third world country. It is good to know how other countries view children’s issues.