International Research

The website that I chose to explore is the Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) found at http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/index.php
http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

Following are three of the current international research topics that I found on the website:

• ·      Parents’ and Other Caregivers’ Perception of Early Childhood Development Needs and Quality: A Study of the PLAN-Assisted Programs in Bawjiase, Ghana
• ·      Involving Fathers in Early Childhood Care and Development
• ·      Strengthening the Capacity of Grandparents in Providing Care to Children Less than 8 Years Old Affected by HIV/AIDS

I was surprised to learn that a virtual university such as this existed. According to the website, the following options are offered through the School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria, Victoria, B.C., Canada:

• ·      a three-year Masters degree  
• ·      a one-year Professional Specialization Certificate program  in co-operation with African-based universities
• ·      and a one-year Grad Diploma program

It is an interesting concept and the feedback from the students was a testament to the program and what the students gained from being part of this program.  According of the website, the goal of this program is to build capacity through:

• promoting Regional ECD Networks
• supporting In-Country Development
• utilizing Computer Technology
• identifying Indigenous Knowledge
• stimulating Local Solutions
• accessing International Expertise
• delivering Meaningful Training

When reviewing the research topics on this site, I found that many of them addressed common concerns that impact the field of early childhood no matter the geographic location such as the quality of early education, paternal involvement and strategies that influence school readiness.  I liked the fact that this organization promotes indigenous knowledge and problem solving at the local level and uses a community of learners approach.   Integrating Indigenous Knowledge in ECD Training and Services and Utilizing Indigenous Stories in the Promotion of Early childhood Development Programs in Uganda are two research topics I found that could provide insights into cultural diversity in early childhood care and education that could be applicable in many places throughout the world.  While the research on this website is conducted in various places in Africa, it serves as a valuable source of information for anyone interested in learning more about early childhood research.

References

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). (2011). Building Capacity.  Retrieved May 30, 2011 from http://www.ecdvu.org/building_capacity.php

Week 3-The Positive Effects of Research on Children and Families

As I was watching the national news this week, there was a story that focused on a child with lymphoma who is part of a new, targeted anti-cancer therapy research study being done at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.  After a relapse following traditional chemotherapy, Zach Witt (age 10) became one of 77 children who had aggressive and uncommon types of lymphoma and neuroblastoma for which there were no other treatment options and no cure.  The children in this study received a drug that had only been used to treat adult lung cancer patients.  For Zach, there was noticeable improvement just days after starting the medication.  Zach responded well to the medication and has been able to return to the normal life of a 10-year-old boy.  To date, results are promising for those children with lymphoma although the long-term outcomes remain unknown.   Zach’s parents discuss their feelings of helplessness and their fears about the experimental treatment.  This story highlights the positive impact that research can have on children and their families even in the face of uncertainty about the outcomes and possible risks. 

I have included 2 links- one to the interview with Zach’s parents on MSNBC and one to information about the research study. 

MSNBC Nightly News (2012, May 16). He’s living a full, happy life. [video] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/vp/47451891#47451891

English, T. (2012, March 17).  Study on targeted medicines shows different front of cancer battle.  Retrieved from Newsworks website:

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/38610-study-on-targeted-cancer-medicines

Week 2-Research Topic

I am very interested in the area of infant/toddler mental health and so have decided to focus on the subtopic of effective tools for assessing infant-toddler mental health that can be used by parents and teachers.  I am especially interested in the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ:SE) because it is widely used by many of the childcare centers in the community where I work.  I have been trained in and have used the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment and so am interested in comparing these two instruments.  I am also interested in finding out more about strengths and weaknesses of each of these instruments and any limitations especially when used for children facing multiple risks and used by teachers with limited experience or formal education.   I am also interested in learning more about the impact of culture on screening outcomes.

I chose this topic because for infants and toddlers social-emotional development is a critical factor that influences all areas of development and has a long-term impact on child outcomes.  It is difficult to think that very young children can have serious mental health and behavior issues; however, I have been faced with working with such children, especially those children facing multiple risks.  Caselman & Self (2008) point out that “Rates for social-emotional behavioral problems among children living in at-risk environments range between 17 percent and 25 percent” (p. 103).  There are often few resources for teachers working with children with social-emotional concerns.  I recently had the opportunity to work closely with a mental health consultant and so have a better understanding of this issue as well as effective classroom strategies.  It seems that being able to identify social-emotional concerns is a logical  place to start when researching this topic.   I have used both the ASQ:SE and the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment for Infants and Toddlers (DECA-IT).  I have noticed that some teachers have a difficult time completing these instruments and then really have no idea what to do with the information. 

I have learned a lot from the resources for this class and the assignments.  While I have always been interested in reading research articles, I really had not idea of how complex the research process is.   I also have a much better idea of how to analyze research and resources (in a very basic way) and of the need to do so. 

I am also having a difficult time figuring out how I will take this topic/subtopic and develop a research question.  It has also been challenging to find research information about the DECA-IT.  I would be interested in learning about how others chose a topic and how they plan to develop a research question.  I would also appreciate any insights that others might have about this topic or related resources.