Reflection: Studying research in early childhood education

       In the process of going through this research class I have found myself challenged academically in ways that I was not quite prepared.  I entered this class with little knowledge of research or the processes that are ongoing through out the research process.  I  feel that upon leaving this class I have an improved understanding  of what influences the nature of research, the decision that makes for equitable and open-minded research.  As an educator the biases that I have held or do hold can influence the nature of my work within the classroom, the same can be said for researchers in which their personal biases can influence their research. I feel that I am leaving this research class has given me greater appreciation for the work that is entailed in research , not simply answering the questions as they are answered but the dedication to the methods involved in reaching every conclusion. 

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA)

 A Brief Overview:

The Early Childhood Development Virtual University is committed to the development to the improvement of the quality of life for families and children in Sub- Saharan Africa.  They attempt to meet their objectives through the use of post-secondary education that is non traditional in nature. “These include: recognizing the strengths and expertise that exist locally and regionally; incorporating these ‘voices’ and experiences into the learning process; promoting sustainable, interactive networks that reach rural as well as urban populations; and using computer technology as a means for developing strong information and communication systems within Africa.”

I found through ECDVU mention of the “generative curriculum approach” in which the university has designed each of its course and seminars around early childhood development leadership skills and early childhood development capacity development in Africa.  The ECDVU curriculum encompasses the these characteristics:

·       A Learner Focused Approach-trying to draw as much from the learners own personal and professional experiences

·       A Ecological Approach – “placing individuals, programs and policies into an interactive and dynamic context and seeking to plan activities and interventions to maximize resonating impact throughout the larger ecology;”

·       A capacity building approach – Aiming to strategically strength the participants of the programs that they can fulfill their mandates for their professional programs, this is done is a very specific way.

·       A Co-Constructive Approach – encouraging each learner to draw upon not only curriculum but also their own knowledge of their country and experience to arrive at their to derive their perspectives and applications

·       A Multi-Cultural Approach – consider ideas, research, and goals pertaining to early childhood care and development from other countries including other parts of Africa and around the World.

·       A Cohort Driven Approach-encourage collaboration and reciprocal with peers create and consolidate networks for learners within participating countries. 

·       A Historical Approach –Explore the idea “ how we came to be here” as a learner explore the theories of child development and construction and more recent international development activities focusing on children and their development.

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/generative.php

EDCVU RESEARCH:

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/major_reports.php

 Currently there are several papers that have been published and are interesting in terms of early childhood education.  There is one in particular that I found of interest

 Building Community Leadership for Quality Sustainability in Madrasa Preschools: The Case of Madrasa Preschools Post Graduation Support by Asha Mohammed Ahmed

Who is working from the country of Tanzania, in the paper he outlines the steps he has taken with the help of the community to establish Early Childhood Programs within each community that can be sustained and supported with help from   trained teacher and staff that are sensitive to the community and their needs as well as the community who is given training ad is guided in the building of the program all for the benefit and support of children and families.  The project that is built ultimate took three years to come to full completion, through planning , training, and working with the families ,communities members, and staff.  There are several other programs within Africa that that were used as a guide and so it gave the building of the this particular project a starting point. 

The following is the link directly to the paper:

http://www.ecdvu.org/ssa/documents/major_projects/Ahmed%20MP%20Final%20UVic%20LP.pdf