Research that Benefits Children and Families

If I possessed the means and the knowledge to conduct research studies about any topic in the early childhood field, I would choose to study the topic of autism. According to Autism Speaks, one in sixty-eight children in the United States have autism (Autism Speaks, n.d.).

            With this research, I would hope to be able to provide parents with more information prior to conception about autism. Perhaps potential parents do not know of some of the increased or decreased risks of autism that are currently known and having more information through research could benefit families even more. When a child is diagnosed with autism, providing families with strategies to help their child.

            As I work in a school with an autism program I see that not only do families need more information but professionals that work with these young children need more training as well. Research of autism could also provide positive contributions to early childhood professionals while they work with young children with autism.

References

Autism Speaks. (n.d.) What is autism? Retrieved September 22, 2017 from https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism

My Personal Research Journey

The subtopic that I chose to use for my research simulation is the potential difference of full-day programs, half-day programs, and no programs in early education and how it impacts kindergarten success. I chose this subtopic as I am a kindergarten teacher who has students entering kindergarten with all three types of early education. I see differences between these students in social areas mainly but am curious about their success throughout their kindergarten year as opposed to just the beginning of the year assessments.

            The simulation process so far has been a bit intimidating as I have never had to conduct any research (I know we are not conducting research with this but that also means I have not had to choose a topic either). While I have started my search for journal articles that are related to this subtopic, I have not begun to actually write my literature review at this point (sleep-deprived mom right here of a newborn and teething 15-month old). I am hoping that once I get started with the literature review that it will become easier to write than I am currently anticipating.

            Completing the research chart for this week has given me more knowledge on a few key terms in the course reading as well as gave me another resource to use in the website, The Campbell Collaboration (http://www.campbellcollaboration.org). I was able to use the research chart to study literature reviews and learn how they are used and completed.

            Colleagues, what words would you try to use when searching for journals or resources for my subtopic above? I want to make sure that I am finding the most relevant resources so perhaps you can help me find the right combination of vocabulary for my search! Thank you in advance!

References

The Campbell Collaboration. (n.d.). Campbell collaboration. Retrieved September 16, 2017 from https://www.campbellcollaboration.org