wk4

Honestly, this assignment is now repetitive. it's the third time we've had to describe a scenario. I dont feel that this is helpful any longer to our learning and is very forced. soooooo here's the assignment...

I am regularly microinsulted. It often happens with my religion. At a party last night, in fact, we were playing a game  (similar to Apples to Apples) which I was continuously a target of. A "subject" card is selected, such as "If I had ____ I would be ____". then the rest of the group selects cards from their hand to be the best suited for the blanks on the subject card. person who's turn it is chooses the fitting card out of these options. I this senario, I always got the jewish-oriented cards when it was my turn to pick. Although some of it is the 'luck' of the draw of the hands' dealt, it was not uncommon for me to have to pick through cards such as Ashuwitz, The Jews, and Penny Pincher as the options given to me. So in this case, "If i had The Jews I would be a Penny Pincher". Of course, I would not have to pick these options, and sometimes they did not make sense. my friends also did not create these cards. generally things like this do no bother me, especially among friends who are not intending harm. but to many this can be very insulting.

i discussed this week's video with my friends, and they laughed. maybe it is because their banter and pokes do not bother me.

wk 3

the three people which ive spoken with all revolve their diversity around ethnicity or religion. it is interesting that their culture definitions are specific to religion, versus their diversity relates to ethnicity. In this course, we have greatly expanded on the ways which diversity and culture can be defined. although one of the people i spoke with is handicapped, this did not come up in the conversation concerning diversity, which it plays a huge role in her life and she continuously advocates for disabled people.

wk 2

The first item i would choose would be a family photograph of us on vacation, the second would be a necklace with a Jewish star on it, and the third would be a special blanket.

the photograph shows how our family is close and had a regular vacation together, a tradition. It also shows the way we like to dress, and the environment we enjoyed. 

The necklace represents a gift which my parents gave me in celebration of a milestone achieved in my religious process. It is a gold necklace, which can represent the money spent and the worth it plays in supporting this accomplishment. In addition to it's symbolic representation, the Jewish star is rooted in the religion and shows our beliefs. 

The third item may seem very strange for most people,but for me it is a representation of belonging. Family friends gave me the blanket when i was born, I was swaddled in it. This closeness and feeling of being surrounded  is always present when I have the blanket with me. It is a comforting item. It also shows how our family and friends celebrated the birth of a child (me) and how the symbol of the blanket has stayed with me through adulthood. It provides warmth, comfort, and memories. 

If i could only keep one personal item, that would be ok. Each of these items are representations of things, and the memories attached will live on beyond having the item present. 

I am surprised that these items are the ones which I would keep. interestingly, i am ok with having none of these items as well. knowing who I am and remember how my family lived would be enough. 

wk8 blog

• what insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
• 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?

I have learned a lot about the different types of research and the different subgroups which contribute to research studies. I never realize how many aspects go into proposing a research topic. there are numerous different ways to design and conduct research which I am now more familiar with and I now have expanded my vocabulary concerning research. My biggest challenge was posing the question I truly wanted to ask. I was unable to formulate it in quite the right way, and ended up taking a slightly different direction. In terms of early childhood research professionals, it takes a great deal of time and effort, as well as trial and error, to ensure a solid research foundation and method. 

Congratulations to the class on the completion of yet another course! 

wk 5

I choose to look at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association (EECERA) at http://www.eecera.org/

One of the research topics I found articles about was similar to an issue we explore here every day: societalization of early childhood education and services. They discuss policies and the growing awareness that early childhood care programs support pivotal points in development. They too are struggling with maintaining enough high quality programs which are accessible to families.

wk 3

One of the most positive effects research has is the ability to actually find ways to help people. For example, studies have been conducted on the effects of certain drugs on the ability for children to function when they have issues such as ADHD. Although there are always possible side effects of drug use, they have found numerous pills which are able to enhance many children and adults abilities, and many times it out weighs the risk of not taking it. Conditions like ADHD are not life threatening, but it helps people regulate themselves in order to continue to succeed. 

wk2

My topic is focused on behavior management and the use of behavior and emotional rating scales in the classroom. The research chart elements were something not uncommon for me, since we have had to use resources and do some basic research through out this program. I feel like this class should have been offered as a second course rather than a 5th course (for me anyway).  Any insight on using rating scales is greatly appreciated!