Research Competency - Week 3 Blog

A positive example of the benefits of research in my personal life was when I utilized knowledge I gained through a M.ED program on Curriculum Development on how to design and conduct a research study.  I designed a study which measured the effect of television viewing on my then 9 yer old son's homework efficacy.  I tested whether the amount of time spent watching tv before doing homework, and when the tv was watched (right after school or after a 30 minute break for example) had any effect on the length of time it took him to complete his homework.  I controlled for the amount of homework and other variables which could have made the study invalid.  My conclusion was that he benefited most from a 30 minute break after school with no tv, rather than being allowed to watch tv before doing homework, or being made to do homework right when he walked in the door.  That was a very small and elementary study but it did demonstrate how quantitative data can be used to assess children and make plans based on that assessment.

Final Blog - Issues and Trends

            In contemplating the effects of learning more about the challenges the international ECE community faces, I have come to a deeper understanding of what it truly means to lack resources, and to have to struggle and succeed in spite of the lack.  During exploration of websites, videos, etc, I‘ve been able to see and hear stories of people who faced true hardship – but didn’t seem to possess the defeated mindset I see so often in my own community.  Challenges, in some countries, are a fact of life and something to be overcome.  This has led to a greater appreciation for the resources I have as a parent, a student and as a professional.

            I’ve come to understand the old adage that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”  So even though I may have limited funds in a classroom, though I may have limited funds for my family –w hat I don’t have is a limited will or ability to create and plan and work towards goals.  As a consequence of seeing how lacking in resources third world countries are, I’ve realized how abundant my own blessings are – and how much more responsible I am to my students/children/community to utilize what we have and to continue to fight for more in terms of equity, quality, access, etc.

            What I have also come to understand in terms of diversity and changing demographics is that those international students could one day be my own.  So as a teacher I have a responsibility to learn about where they come from and even to reach out and do my small part to help alleviate their circumstances before they even come to America seeking a better future.  The supplies most of these communities seem to need are simple things – basic school supplies, basic medical supplies, access to or the ability to filter water, etc.  We are truly a global community and, eventually, what effects one will affect the other.
             One goal I am contemplating setting for myself is to come up with some type of way I can directly contribute to improving resources in a community in a country in Africa.  This will require a bit of research on charities and educational organizations that serve different countries, because I have a natural skepticism of non for profits, but it is something I am coming to feel compelled to do.  If I can provide basic supplies for even one classroom, I will feel like I am at least trying to make a difference in a life other than my own.