The site I chose was European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA). They have a sections for special issues which seeks to remain focus n their vision and mission. In the special issues some topics that have been focused on where for example improving quality by understanding and researching professionalism and leadership; listening to children and their parents in order to honour their voices and participation; exploring the theory and realities of outside play and learning; and most recently, understanding the evidence of children's learning from birth to three years of age.
One the website, there was an article that intrigued me, it is entitled "Introducing Children's Perspectives and Participation in Research". This article would have mentioned the rights of a child, particularly the right to participate in decision making that affects their lives and to be empowered to communicate their own views. It also went on to speak about a tension within the rights, between the right to protection, their rights to participation, and their rights to privacy. The question was asked what gives us the right as grown-ups to search children's point of view. In all honesty this is interesting, because we have learnt that children can give the assent to participation if they want to. It is technically a choice of the child, though some may argue that the child may not fully understand, what they are agreeing to. Children do have parents, whom should be able to guide their child to the appropriate choice in such a circumstance. Knowing a child's perspective is just as vital as enforcing their rights.
This site is for anyone looking to be involved in research pertaining to early childhood, one can easily become a become of the association, and maybe one day be selected to produce a research paper.
Link to site : http://www.eecera.org/
Kiendra,
ReplyDeleteYour perspective on this international website in relation to research is very much appreciated, as it expands my thoughts and ideas on the subject. As you mentioned, some of the topics from the European Early Childhood Education Research Association include improving quality by understanding and researching professionalism and leadership, listening to children and their parents and honoring their voices and participation, and evidence of children learning from birth to three. My conclusion for this assignment is that early childhood research topics in the United States seem to coincide with international early childhood research, which provides me with the insight that, globally, early childhood professionals are on the same page in regards to research. I also found the article about the children's perspective and participation of research quite interesting. It seems as though children are often looked upon as objects rather than people with rights, thoughts, and ideas. I think this is a consideration that is critical when regarding children and research. Thank you for your insights on this international website. :)
Pamela