My chosen topic for the research
simulation is peer relationships in childcare and their effects on social
emotional development. I originally
intended to research multiage grouping in childcare because I have several
years of experience working with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers in a
multiage environment and am fascinated with the relationships between the
babies and older children. Furthermore I wanted to learn about the effects of
siblings being placed together in multiage childcare instead of being separated
by age. I have my own opinions about the benefits of multiage grouping, however
I was hoping to find quality research to confirm my beliefs. I must admit I
became really discouraged this week when I was unable to find research on my
first choice of topics. I contacted the Walden University Library for help and
talked to a very helpful research librarian who taught me how to use Thoreau. “For
the beginning researcher, using online database searching with an experienced
guide is a most effective way to begin your literature review”, (McGraw-Hill
Higher Education, 2010, p. 26). The librarian spent a half hour showing me how
to use my key words to find quality research. Together we determined that there was very
little peer reviewed quality research on multiage grouping in childcare.
So… I decided in the interest of
time and energy to begin researching peer relationships in childcare and their
effects on social emotional development. This is another topic I am passionate
about and look forward to researching. I am finding several articles of
interest.
I found completing the research
chart this week helpful, but I wouldn’t call myself “comfortable” yet with the
language of research. Hopefully as this course continues, I will gain
confidence and become a competent researcher.
Any advice or insights you can
share with your research experience would be GREATLY appreciated. The only
advice I can give is to talk to a research librarian in the Walden Library if
you run into a roadblock. They are extremely knowledgeable and helpful!
References
McGraw-Hill Higher Education, 2010, Doing early childhood
research, 2nd Edition
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