Research that Benefits Children and Families-Uplifting Stories

If I was presented with an opportunity to conduct a research study, I would like to explore what are the positive and negative effects of growing up in a gay or lesbian household have on young learners in the early childhood field and effective ways professionals could interact with those families?  This potential study is important to me because in the near future my partner and I would like to have children and we find it crucial to research all that we can on the subject. I personally would like to know what psychologists, educators and other professionals have to say and possibly any tips that could help us become better parents if presented with that opportunity.  I find the topic also important because there are many people who feel a certain way on gay and lesbians families and see these families as wrong and dysfunctional. There are different types of family structures and from a previous course, I was able to learn that that whatever the family structure is, that there can be positive and negative effects in heterosexual, single parent, gay and lesbian homes.   I believe that although outsiders may not agree with the various types of families, that through research those naysayers will sing a different tune. 

Your Personal Research Journey

The topic I chose for the simulation is diversity & building positive relationships. I would like to know more about the topic because I know firsthand how this topic has influenced my perspective in the classroom and also how important the partnership between professionals and families are, in regard to the whole being of the child. I also chose this topic because I wanted to research various ways to initiate and offer continual support to diverse families and build strong lasting relationships with them.

From completing the research charts thus far, I have the opportunity to learn new words that are associated with the research process. I believe that by learning these various words that I would be able to grow in this profession and also learn more new and exciting things dealing with the early childhood education field. I also believe I benefited greatly from learning about the high quality guidelines for analyzing research. The guidelines for me, gave me the stepping stone needed to find meaningful research information and be able to notice low quality information.

How do you research information and what are some things that you personally, look for first?

What benefits could research serve in your current or future position? 

Issues and Trends: Change, Contexts, Consequences, Constants Revisited (Blog)

Post at least three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for your professional and personal development (any format, any length)

Three consequences of learning about the international early childhood field for me include, connecting with a diverse group of early childhood education professionals, awareness to issues that affect children in various countries in the field of early childhood education and also research for professional growth. I believe these things are important because they made a huge impact on how I view professionals working in my profession and most importantly brought awareness to issues and trends that affect me as a professional and the children.

        

Post one goal for the field related to international awareness of issues and trends and the spirit of collegial relations

I believe this course allowed me to view early childhood education as a whole, both locally and internationally.  I have decided for my goal on international awareness that I would continue to reach out to international professionals and also I would share any resources provided/given with my colleagues to keep them aware as well.