Rhonda Johnson aka RaRa

When I Think of Research....

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 19 Aug 2012 01:28:00 +0000

First of all, I would like to thank all my fellow classmates for sharing your experiences and comments. It is through my colleagues, I have gain further insight on the subject at hand. Thank you all and much success.

We may research the most effective teaching practices and curriculum to provide every child the equal opportunity to learn. Families would like to receive the most valuable resources and support for themselves and their child. It takes research on our end to provide the information they need. “Children benefit from research when it is used appropriately and thoughtfully, combined with the insights of experienced practitioner to create what has been called evidence based practice” (NAEYC). To ensure our research is valid and free from bias, there are mixed research methods to help through the process.

Interesting enough, every family and child have unique needs from diversity, language, abilities and so forth. I personally, would like to gain insight on inclusive classrooms and special education. In return, I can feel competent in the subject by providing valid facts on the subject at hand. Ensuring we utilize ethical practice, research plays a key role in how we can utilize the best practices to meet the needs of all children and their families.

The field of Early Childhood is constantly changing and I am willing to gain further knowledge in utilizing research. There is more career opportunities other than Teaching in the Early Childhood field. Overall, one should always consider the well-being of the child. It is within the provision of Society for Research in Child Development, a person should use no research procedure that may harm the child either physically or psychologically.

Resource

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill.
National Association for the Education of Young Children. (n.d.). Using early childhood research. NAEYC. Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org/research/using

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

Research Around the World

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 00:10:00 +0000

What are some of the current international research topics?

As much as we are trying to gain insight of children in the United States, other countries are understanding the purpose of children providing their input. Young Children Perspective is a group formed by Australian and United Kingdom.

" Deborah Harcourt, from her Australian study, affirms that contemporary early childhood tudies

have established young children's competence as research partners and their ability to report on matters that affect them" (Harcourt & Einarsdottir, 2011).

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

The European Early Childhood Education Research Journal website has a variety of information. They are one of the most prestigious EC journal around the world. The Board wants to reflect their European heritage, therefore they prefer that all trustees are either native European or live in Europe of where they are employed. The international research papers that are submitted to this website should not include no more than three papers from the same country.

Reference

Deborah Harcourt & Johanna Einarsdottir (2011): Introducing children's
perspectives and participation in research, European Early Childhood Education Research Journal,
19:3, 301-307

Research that benefit children and families

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 15 Jul 2012 04:39:00 +0000

If I could conduct research on a topic it would probably be about children with ADHD and how to help them without the use of medicine. There should be some creative approach where we do not need to rely on medicine to help them stay focus and so forth. My own child has ADHD and I was against medicine, however, it was necessary to keep him focus at school. My neighbor has a child with ADHD as well and they have tried many medicine only to find he has suffered negative effects from the medicines.

It seems more and more children are diagnosed with ADHD these days. LaForett, has an article that reviews the research literature on psychosocial treatments for preschool-aged children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in the context of the developmental and contextual needs of this population (e.g., increased parenting demands, differences in classroom structure, and the child's emerging developmental capacities). Discussion of the findings and limitations of existing studies is provided for parent-training approaches, classroom management strategies, and multimodal treatments. Although the empirical base is quite small for ADHD-specific samples, parent-training interventions have the greatest overall support for improving behavioral outcomes, with a variety of different approaches having shown effectiveness" (LaForett, 2008) .

I had several 3 year old students that was diagnosed and they were given medicine. These babies seemed like zombies, some would have accidents on themselves and did not realize they did. The medicine was obviously too strong. Prior to the medicine, the children did well in my classroom. I made them the boss of different jobs in the class and they did well. As teacher helper they had a boost of confidence and felt important in the class without having to be in trouble by messing with others. They were busy with their task and completing projects standing up utilizing an easel that they did well.

Reference:

LaForett, D. R., Murray, D. W., & Kollins, S. H. (2008). Psychosocial Treatments for Preschool-Aged Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Developmental Disabilities Research Reviews, 14(4), 300-310.

Your Personal Research Journey

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 08 Jul 2012 03:15:00 +0000

Inclusive classroom and teaching is an area that interest me the most. I recall working in the Pre-K classroom in Child Development CeInter. I had 22 students in the classroom along with an Assistant Teacher. When I commenced my job in the classroom, the Director mentioned to me that there was a few students who needed extra help however wanted to keep them in an Inclusive classroom. This was the first time I heard this term. I worked with the students and made changes to lessons and activities to meet their needs and help them strive. Needless to say, while researching this topic, I did not realize I was making accommodations as what is required to help the children out.

A few years ago, my son was diagnosed with ADHD and OCD. We had noticed the changes and struggles he had at home and school and knew something was different. The first thought that went through my head was, "Not my child and why"? After coping and accepting that our child needs extra help, my husband and I immediately asked for help for him at school. After careful researching and advice from Special Educational Specialist, I had to seek help for my child. My husband and I want my son to succeed in school and life and became an advocate to ensure he received all the necessary help he needed.

Inclusive classroom is an area in which I want to further my research. Every child has the right to equal opportunity to learn and an education. Understanding the child’s rights in an inclusive classroom is what I would like to focus on first. Copple said that it is important to support the right of each child to play and learn in an inclusive environment that meets the needs of children with and without disabilities. Every child’s culture, language, ethnicity and family structure should value in the program (Reid, 2010). This is the area I commenced my research, because it is important for parents to understand their children have the right to equal education, they have the right to speak up for their child.

Being new to this subject, I would honor any comments or suggestion on the topic at hand. I hope to fllourish in this area to help not only my son, but all children as well.

Reid, C. M. (2010). The Inclusive Classroom: How Inclusive Is Inclusion?. Online Submission.

Final Blog Assignment

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 24 Jun 2012 01:59:00 +0000

It certainly has been a great pleasure communicating and gaining insight from my international contacts, Mrs. Haydee Lucha and Mrs. Illeana Cofina. From their professional aspect, there are several issues and trends that affect the future of our chidlren. Each of their countries have launched effective programs to help resolve some of the issues.

Poverty and malnutrition is a serious issue. Programs such as Zero Hunger has been launched to help put an end to this problem, Illeana shared. Children are missing school or not to perform to the best of their ability becuase of hunger.

Diversity is well respected which each of these professionals shared ways in which their countries are looking to meet the needs of all the children. Most of the schools are trying to teach more than one language.

Professional growth is a common interest globally. "Teacher preparation is very important and broken up in different phrases" Haydee states. Theater, arts, music and theater are amongst the group of studies to ensure teachers are able to entertain the kids while they teach them.

Networking has been one of my favorite ways of gaining knowledge and sharing ideas. This experience of gaining international awareness of issues makes me realize there are common issues globally and their is hope. Each country and state has different standards and some may have to lower standards due to pay of teachers or knowledge. Some countries such as El Salvador, it is important for teachers to obtain a degree. Since they have little material to work with , they are limited to the material the government provides them with.

In conclusion, I have a great respect for both of these ladies. They both have spent well over 10 years in the Early Childhood Field, stayed focused and accomplished their long term goals and continues to advocate for the children of their country. They have taken great strides to be a voice not only on for the child but on a political aspect to help develop programs to meet the children, families, staff and community. I value their commitment to the field and hope to keep in contact as they continue to share their knowledge.

"Teachers can and should learn from each other. As "students of teaching" they are collaborators, naturalists, and scholars."

"Creating communities of learning among teachers is necessary if they are to remain connected to their professions, their students, and to one another."

(Sonia Nieto, 2003)

(John Dewey, 1902)

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sat, 16 Jun 2012 20:48:00 +0000

The past few weeks my contacts have been terribly busy for everyone including myself. Ms. Haydee shared with me her education background and the goals of teachers in El Salvador.

Ms. Haydee is a 78 year old woman and mother of a daughter. She has two grandsons age 17 and 19. The 19 years old graduated from high school and is studying in college while the youngest grandson is in the 1th grade.

In regards to her professional career, she mentioned that she started as an Early Childhood teacher on which she spent around 10 years until becoming an adviser on the education ministry, in spanish it is the "Ministerio de Educacion", after that she got her Masters Degree as a University Teacher, as well she worked a teacher and vice principal. She never left the educational enviroment since she always felt a certain attraction for teaching and now through OMEP is able to train different people through seminars and workshops.
A trending issue thats been going on lately is that teachers get their degree and they start working on high grades and since they have little material to work with, they find theirselves limited to the material the government provides them with. One of her biggest chanllenges was one she recently gotten since she was provided with a group of international students who needed special attention on different levels of spanish speaking, reading or at a grammar level, all of them with different difficulties and not to mention different ethnic groups.

On a personal level, she feels she has reached about every personal goal that she placed upon herself. She still keep on teaching and enjoys it every day." My greatest joy is teaching my own kids since they are the ones I can teach on a daily basis for the rest of my life" stated Haydee.

Sharing Resources

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 04:14:00 +0000

In the UNESCOPRESS, Principals are undergoing professional development training to ensure all children receives equal education and access to services in Ghana, Kenya and India . “All evidence shows that supporting the professional development of school principals and leaders is a key to success in any reform aimed at improving the quality of education and transforming the school culture" (UNESCOPRESS, 2011).

Some children in some urban areas do not receive equal opportunities as other children. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, adopted in 1989, was the first international treaty to state the full range of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights belonging to children. "The Convention on the Rights of the Child, binds States parties to make “available and accessible to every child” compulsory and free primary education and options for secondary schooling, including vocational education (Article 28). It also obliges States parties
to “encourage the provision of appropriate and equal opportunities for cultural, artistic, recreational and leisure activity” (State of the Worlds Children, 2012).

According to Killen, " In multiple cultural contexts, gender exclusion has remained a salient issue of concern for children in the areas of educational opportunities, access to resources, academic achievement, occupational aspirations, social relationships, and domestic roles" (Killen, Rutland, et el, 2011).

Reference

Killen, M., Rutland, A., and Ruck, M., (2011). Promoting Equity, Tolerance, and Justice in Childhood

The State of the World's Children (2012). Children in an Urban World
http://www.acei.org/global-news/urbanization-and-meeting-the-needs-of-children.html

UNESCOPRESS (2011).UNESCO and Varkey GEMS Foundation launch principals’ training program that will impact 10 million children

Getting to Know Your International Contacts—Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 03 Jun 2012 02:54:00 +0000

Of the two Professional contacts, I have only heard from one of them recently. Haydee Lucha spoke of the childhood education and the systems and programs available to children and training for teachers. The childhood education is wrapped up by the government in El Salvador.

Most of the schools are trying to teach more than one language. The most popular schools are "Escuela Americana, Escuela Britanica, Liceo Frances, Colegio Maya and Escuela Alemana. These are considered top 5 schools.

The teaching methods are very effective. Teacher preparation is very important; this is broken up in 2 phases and takes between 3-5 years to complete for your degree. Professional growth is valued and certification can be obtained with 4 modules: 1st Early Childhood Theater; 2nd Early Childhood Literature; 3rd Plastic Arts and 4th Music, since March until June on Sundays, with these trainings we expect for the certified teachers to be able to entertain the kids while they teach them.

Sharing Web Resources

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 27 May 2012 03:21:00 +0000

When it comes to equality to all children receiving an equal opportunity to learn, I am more willing to gain insight and knowledge to ensure this takes place. Alone I do my best for the children I have encountered in my field, however, on a higher level, I want to ensure all children receives an equal opportunity to learn and succeed.
Accross the country there is not equal opportunities for all children especially for children in the poorest households and those less likely to attend early childhood education. " Evidence-based strategies that support high-quality early childhood development and learning for girls and boys include extending quality early childhood development opportunities and ensuring that girls and boys start school at an appropriate age.Financial incentives, such as cash transfers, should be offered to poor families to enroll children, especially girls, at the correct age. Developing and supporting multi-grade and multi-age teaching approaches" (Anderson, 2012).

In Argentina, research is conducted to improve and and understand the investment towards education for the growth of the economy. Corporate leaders, government and communities are doing their bbest to collaborate and improve the quality of education. "Working with provincial education authorities and a national research center, the project focused on linguistic and cognitive development and reached more than 20,000 kindergarten children and 1,300 teachers. Children participating in the project nearly doubled their vocabulary in one year and arrived in first grade more prepared to learn" (Fleet, 2012).

References:

Anderson, A. (2012). Unsustainable Development: The Missing Discussion about Education at

Rio+20

Fleet, J. (2012). Brookings: Good Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Latin America

Getting to Know Your International Contacts

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 20 May 2012 03:10:00 +0000

I have had several contacts with quite of few Professionals overseas. The two Professionals in which I have had constant communication with are Ileana Cofino Educational Specialist from Guatemala and Lic. Haydee Araujo de Lucha from El Savador.

Ileana Cofino shared information regarding poverty. Extremen poverty in Guatemala are those that have incomes under $400.00. This amount is not enough to cover for basic food expense. She further explained that because of this, malnutrition and other reasons children are not enrolled in school. Guatemala is among the top 5 countries where children suffer chronic malnutrition. There is hope though. She mentioned a program called Zero Hungry. The Government is hoping to launch it in hoping to overcome the problem.

Lic. Haydee Araujo de Lucha from El Salvador mentioned a few years ago the poverty rate among native communities in El Salvador stood at 38 percent in 2009, compared to less than 19 percent among the general population, while 67 percent of native households had no piped water, against a national average of 39 percent. This reality is even more critical in the rural areas where the poverty level can be as high as 62 percent. Many of these families live on less than U.S. $1 a day and cannot afford daily food. In these areas, it is common to see children begin to work at 6 or 7 years old. Haydee continues to talk about the schools and the OMEP committee and how they are looking to voice and change things.

Haydee Araujo <haydee.lucha@yahoo.com>

Ileana Cofiño
Especialista en Educación
UNICEF Guatemala
13 calle 8-44 Zona 10, Edif.Edyma Plaza 2do Nivel
Guatemala, Guatemala 01010
Teléfono (502) 2327 6373

Sharing Web Resources

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sat, 12 May 2012 08:34:00 +0000

Since the 1800's, the Association for Childhood Education International is an organization that focus on educational rights for children.

        "Association members were well known for their concern for children worldwide who were
          living in conditions of poverty or facing other challenging circumstances, such as
          discrimination, war, and hunger" (ACEI.org).

They are advocates for not only children but teachers and families too.They highly influence the professional growth of educators, they focus on the efforts of those who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society.   There website provides, global news, resources for teachers, advocacy and events, global resources, net working and so on.

Love Me, Teach Me is one of the few campaigns that attracted my attention. As Educators, our primary focus is to meet the overall well-being of the child. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn regardless of what nation they are from.

        "All sectors—social, political, and economic—must work to ensure that all children are visible members of
         their society, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, ability, family status, or
         national  origin" (ACEI.org).

It is through the succes of the Global Campaign for Education that 40 million children have been able to receive an education.
http://acei.org

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:00 +0000

Feliz dia de. Las. Madres

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:43:00 +0000

Professional Contact-

UNICEFGuatemala just made contact, they are forwarding me to someone in their office.

Establishing Professional Contacts and Expanding Resources

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Fri, 04 May 2012 23:36:00 +0000

While going through our resources, I noticed Step by Step is a large organization that is affiliated with many countries. Though I have attempted to make contact with the list of emails provided, I have not been successful as of yet. Some have automatic notices that they are not in the office and so forth. NAEYC and UNICEF both have connections through Facebook,which is a popular network connection. It is through there I hope to establish contacts as well. Through suscribing through the RSS feed, I also hope to keep abreast on new information.

In addition, I have listened to several podcasts on the World Forum. There are some interesting topics and speakers.

Association for Childhood Education International provides intereractive website. There is a lot infomation. Each month they have provided updated information utilizing their E-News.

I am looking forward to hearing from the contacts that I have emailed so that I can gain insight of Issues and Events worldwide.

My Support

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 02:26:00 +0000

My family has supported me through a lot. If it was not for the support from them, I may not have made it this far is school. They have been there through thick and thin.

In addition, my parents, siblings, in-laws and friends supported me a year ago next month, when the doctors thought I may had breast cancer. Went through surgery and later found out I was ok. Through it all, each six months, my husband especially, will take the day/morning off to go with me to my mammograms. It makes a person stronger and blessed to have so much support.

I could not understand why, my son started having some developmental and learning problems when he was 7. After many conformation, he has ADHD and OCD. Along with my family and friends, I was able to turn to a support group with other parents whose child is diagnosed as well. We have been able to offer ideas and suggestions to each other; What to do next, how to get help at school, planning and organization at home and more.

As a little girl, I would not speak because I had a terrible stuttering problem. Kids would tease me. There was one teacher who made me feel special and not only helped me, but family when I was in Head Start.

I am not sure where I would be if I did not have these special people in my life.

My Connections to Play

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 04:20:00 +0000

"Play gives children a chance to practice whay they are learning....They have to play with what they know to be true in order to find out more, and then they can use what they learn in new forms of play"

-Fred Rogers of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood

"You can discover more about a person in an hour of play than in a year of conversation"

--Plato, Greek philosopher

When I was a little girl, climbing trees and exploring nature was a natural form of play. Today, if a child climbs a tree, they are yelled at for destroying landscaping.

Play was the most valued time and acitivity for a child in my past. When my brothers, sister and I were indoors, we were playing. There were times, we pretended to be teachers and students, chefs, beauticians and so much more. No one could keep us from outside unless we got in trouble that is. We would take a box and create a house or club house, tunnels and more.

Coming up with several different games utilizing snow, dirt, or anything we had in reach was the most fun of all. Jump roping, playing tag, kickball, red rover are just a few of the activities we played growing up. You do not see a lot of children outside playing. Some are used to material things and have lost their imagination of creating and enjoying play. Children are possess many talents to create and use their imagination.

It is nice to have found a husband who grew up with the same values on play. We are both children at heart and believe in children exploring & discovering the world around them. Play is essential to a child and adults too.

Relationship Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (rjmo2) — Sun, 11 Mar 2012 04:58:00 +0000

My husband

Our boys

Orion

Brother-n-law and family

Having fun with mother & sister-n-law

Relationships are a reflection of trust, respect, support and love. I cannot ask for a better supportive group of family and friends. Through sickness, school, career changes, and disability of my son they are there to help out. We equally can talk and listen to one another about anything. Everyone has been genuiely supportive with our decision to become Foster Parents. We recently opened our hearts and home to a couple of children. I am not sure who is more excited amongst ourselves, family and friends. Everyone is here to lend a hand.

I have known my husband for 19 years now. We are very compatible; we share the same values on family, communicate effectively and so forth. We accept each other for who we are. Though his interest is in sports and mine the arts, we often come to a agreement of supporting each others talents and interests. Our dream is to give back to children in the hopes of owning our own Child Development Center/Youth Center where children have a safe place to be kids.

Orion is a joy to our lives and has adapted to our family home.

The positive relationships in which I am surrounded has a great influence on my career. I want to reach out to other children and families and let them know they are valued and deserve to be loved and respected as an individual.