Research Around The World

I chose to look at Early Childhood Australia. http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. I found some great information on this website! There is a series of Research called, "RIPS" that is, Research In Practice Series. It is a group of experts and practioners who provides practical, easy-to-read resources for those involved in the early childhood field. "The books are designed to assist with those challenging issues which arise in the care and education of young children, by offering effective, new approaches." (http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/) Below is a list of the ongoing research.

Partnerships: Working together in early childhood settings

Seeing assessment as a stepping stone: Thinking in the context of the EYLF

The more you know, the more you see: Babies' and toddlers' learning and the EYLF

Planning in the context of the EYLF: Powerful, practical and pedagogically sound

Respecting diversity: Articulating early childhood practice

Children's resilience: Working with the Early Years Learning Framework

Learning and teaching through play

Stars are made of glass: Children as capable and creative communicators

The Early Years Learning Framework: Building confident learners

The Early Years Learning Framework: Getting started

Optimistic carers and children: Pathways to confidence and wellbeing

Nurturing the spiritual child: Compassion, connection and a sense of self

Dealing with bullying together: Prevention and resolution

Portfolios: Documenting a journey

Treasures and collections: A touch of magic in the early years

Learnings from High/Scope: Enriching everyday practice

The Code of Ethics: A guide for everyday practice

The Circle of Security: Roadmap to building supportive relationships

Greening services: Practical sustainability

Dreaming Stories: A springboard for learning

Discovering letters and sounds

Capture the moment: Using digital photography in early childhood settings

Diversity and difference: Lighting the spirit of identity

Managing change with infants and young children

Young children as active learners

Active children: Healthy now and later

Young gifted children: Meeting their needs

Engaging families: Building strong communication

Storytelling with young children

Understanding children's feelings: Emotional literacy in early childhood

Overlooked curriculum: Seeing everyday possibilities

Aggression and young children

Revisiting celebrations with young children

Meaningful planning: Rethinking teaching and learning relationships

Learning with computers (2nd edn)

Babies: Good beginnings last forever

Managing difficult behaviour in young children

 

I was amazed at the information from each research topic. The only downfall would be each book costs around $15.

 

I also found a section that is titled, "Supporting Best Practices." Under that tab there are several subtabs, dealing with Emotional foundations for learning, learning and play, feelings and behaviours, learning about babies and toddlers, learning about children ages 3 to 9 years, learning and teaching, as well as children's rights. What I found very beneficial was under the subtabs, there was a wealth of information dealing with each. I did not want to post all of that information here, but I encourage you to browse this website as it is so informative!

 

I am a supporter of play and I was quite excited to read about play in Australia, as it  does not differ much from the United States. Here is what was on the website about play:

     

"About play

Child's play - it's not just for fun
Some people say play is children's work. There is a large amount of development and learning taking place from birth to five years of age and play is a foundation for this learning. United States
What do children learn from play?
Adults support children's learning by protecting the time needed for exploration and discovery, and by interacting with children in ways that enhance their learning and development though play. Canada
An overview of children's play
Children play to learn. As they play children explore, discover, adapt and learn. United States
How do young children learn
Children have an inbuilt desire to explore and learn. Play is the tool for doing this. Simple games like "peek a boo" are playful at the same time as they engage children's minds in the learning process." (http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/everyday_learning_and_play/about_play_and_learning/about_play.html)

Under the tab, "Learning and Teaching" http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/learning_and_teaching/, there is a wealth of resources for educators. I will make sure I have placed this website in my favorites as I can use this site as a valuable resource.

 

Below is a link to a video from this website. It is Pam Cahir, the CEO of Early Childhood Australia, discussing how so many Australian children, under the age of 5 are in child care. Pam Cahir is discussing how children can be made smarter. It is quite an interesting video.

 http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1420517124001?bckey=AQ~~,AAABSkIANvE~,iCVZhGF37BZnjpIOj_hyuqgE0UOFYJqh&bctid=1612730581001

 

References:

 

Early Childhood Australia. (2000) Retrieved from May 31, 2012 from http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/.