As I prepare to move on into another course, I would like to take a minute to thank you all,my colleagues, for all of the support. We have came a long way, and for most of us we are almost at the finish line. I wish you the best in your fields and specializations of choice. Lets all remember what we learned from this course, and continue to make a difference in our communities. We made it!
Respectfully,
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work......wk6
"This week you read about the five stages of team development: forming, storming, norming, performing, and adjourning. Consider the adjourning phase for several of the groups in which you have been involved. Think about which aspects of the groups made for the hardest good-bye. Are high-performing groups hardest to leave? Groups with the clearest established norms? Which of the groups that you participated in was hardest to leave? Why? What sorts of closing rituals have you experienced or wish you had experienced? How do you imagine that you will adjourn from the group of colleagues you have formed while working on your master's degree in this program? Why is adjourning an essential stage of teamwork?"
When I think about the groups that I was in that was hard to leave, I think about the key things that grew our bond. Most of which was because we built a personal tie to one another. We understood each other, and we respected one another. There was one group that I did not like, but we worked well together, and honestly I wanted a great grade. So, I sucked up my emotional feelings and pushed through. For the groups that I participated in and found it hard to leave we would usually do something to commemorate our time together. Whether we had dinner, a party, or some kind of outing. Working with an online community is a bit different. We have not met personally, and honestly for me I have to physically meet someone to form a tie with them. Adjourning is an essential part of teamwork, because it places a conclusion to the experience. It gives the team members closure on a chapter in their lives.
Sunday, June 8, 2014
Conflict Resolution Week 5
For Week 5, we discussed conflict resolution. We were asked
"Think about any disagreements, or conflicts, you have recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in your personal life. Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict?
Also, if appropriate, ask your colleagues for their input and advice regarding, if not specific problems, how they have learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills."
I would suggest that you take on a viewpoint of "how does this conflict affect the other person". When you do that, you will automatically have more understanding view point. I have also learned that each conflict is different, and must be treated as such. A compromise is not effective in a conflict that is about morals, or religious beliefs (in some cases. I have learned to not be so emotional when in the middle of a conflict, because it clouds judgement, creates impulsive descisions, and makes the person selfish. I could most likely use all of the skills learned this week, but the key is to know when to use certain ones.
"Think about any disagreements, or conflicts, you have recently experienced or are currently experiencing at work with a supervisor or colleague, or someone in your personal life. Share at least two strategies you have learned about that might help you manage or resolve the conflict more productively, and why these strategies might be effective. For example, could you suggest a compromise? Could you look for a broader range of solutions to your disagreement? Could you use some of the principles of nonviolent communication or the 3 R's to better help you resolve this conflict?
Also, if appropriate, ask your colleagues for their input and advice regarding, if not specific problems, how they have learned to be more effective communicators as it relates to conflict resolution skills."
I would suggest that you take on a viewpoint of "how does this conflict affect the other person". When you do that, you will automatically have more understanding view point. I have also learned that each conflict is different, and must be treated as such. A compromise is not effective in a conflict that is about morals, or religious beliefs (in some cases. I have learned to not be so emotional when in the middle of a conflict, because it clouds judgement, creates impulsive descisions, and makes the person selfish. I could most likely use all of the skills learned this week, but the key is to know when to use certain ones.
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Communication Skills vs Perception WK4
Hello all. This week we were asked
"For your blog this week, think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life."
My mother's perception of my comunication skills.'
" I believe that you have great communication skills. You are a great speaker, and you are attentive to others opinion. You do, at times talk over some people, but I do not believe that it is on purpose. You are a passionate person. I believe that it is purely excitement."
My teacher's perception of my communication skills.
" You have a way with words. You can get your point across without raising your voice. You care about others, and it shows when you speak with them."
My perception.....
I believe that I have some great communication skills, but I also have a lot to learn. As my mother stated, I do at times speak over people when i am extremely excited.
I have learned that true communication is a two way street. Listening is just as important, if not more, than speaking. I have learned that communication is not fully reliant on words, but on body language as well. Knowing this will prepare me for so many opportunities.
"For your blog this week, think about the similarities and differences between how you evaluated yourself as a communicator and how others evaluated you. What is the one thing that surprised you the most? Why? What other insights about communication did you gain this week? Choose at least two to share with others through your blog and consider how each might inform your professional work and personal life."
My mother's perception of my comunication skills.'
" I believe that you have great communication skills. You are a great speaker, and you are attentive to others opinion. You do, at times talk over some people, but I do not believe that it is on purpose. You are a passionate person. I believe that it is purely excitement."
My teacher's perception of my communication skills.
" You have a way with words. You can get your point across without raising your voice. You care about others, and it shows when you speak with them."
My perception.....
I believe that I have some great communication skills, but I also have a lot to learn. As my mother stated, I do at times speak over people when i am extremely excited.
I have learned that true communication is a two way street. Listening is just as important, if not more, than speaking. I have learned that communication is not fully reliant on words, but on body language as well. Knowing this will prepare me for so many opportunities.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Communicating Effectively......
This week we were asked to
"For your blog this week, complete the following activity:
Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.
Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified."
My family is made up of different races, nationalities, and cultures. There is African American, Caucasian, Native American, Caribbean,and Hawaiian. My childhood was full of learning different cultures, recipes, and etc. Because of this I am open and welcoming to different cultures.
To answer these questions, I do not find myself communicating differently with people from different groups or cultures. I believe that one way that people could communicate more effectively is to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
"For your blog this week, complete the following activity:
Think about the cultural diversity you see in your colleagues at school, in your neighborhood, in your workplace, and also, possibly, within your family. Consider all the aspects that make up culture, including race, religion, political affiliation, sexual orientation, varying abilities, and so on.
Do you find yourself communicating differently with people from different groups and cultures?
If yes, in what ways do you communicate differently?
Based on what you have learned this week, share at least three strategies you could use to help you communicate more effectively with the people or groups you have identified."
My family is made up of different races, nationalities, and cultures. There is African American, Caucasian, Native American, Caribbean,and Hawaiian. My childhood was full of learning different cultures, recipes, and etc. Because of this I am open and welcoming to different cultures.
To answer these questions, I do not find myself communicating differently with people from different groups or cultures. I believe that one way that people could communicate more effectively is to treat others the way they would like to be treated.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
A world with and without Verbal Communication
This week we were told to :
"As you have been learning, communication is not always straightforward. Everyone, at some time or another, makes assumptions based on messages communicated through body language and facial expressions.
For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.
What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?
Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.
What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?
Write about your experience in your blog, including what you learned about communication from this experience and insights or "aha" moments you believe would be helpful to your colleagues.
(Adapted from O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 154)
For this activity, I used Frasier. I have watched this shows for years, and it was interesting to see what I discovered. With the sound off I noticed that the father seemed more aggressive, but with the sound on it was undeniable Fraiser. The entire crew wears their heart on their sleeves. All of the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating. Niles is completely in love with daphne, and he expressed this love non-verbally at first. I realized that most people do not communicate their true feelings, and that we have learned to "mask" them through false smiles.
"As you have been learning, communication is not always straightforward. Everyone, at some time or another, makes assumptions based on messages communicated through body language and facial expressions.
For this assignment, again consider what you have been learning about communication skills and styles. Then record an episode of a television show you do not normally watch. Watch the show with the sound turned off.
What do you think the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating?
What are they feeling and expressing based on the nonverbal behavior you are observing?
Now, watch the show with the sound turned on.
What assumptions did you make about the characters and plot based on the ways in which you interpreted the communication you observed?
Would your assumptions have been more correct if you had been watching a show you know well?
Write about your experience in your blog, including what you learned about communication from this experience and insights or "aha" moments you believe would be helpful to your colleagues.
(Adapted from O'Hair & Wiemann, 2012, p. 154)
For this activity, I used Frasier. I have watched this shows for years, and it was interesting to see what I discovered. With the sound off I noticed that the father seemed more aggressive, but with the sound on it was undeniable Fraiser. The entire crew wears their heart on their sleeves. All of the characters' relationships are based on the ways in which they are communicating. Niles is completely in love with daphne, and he expressed this love non-verbally at first. I realized that most people do not communicate their true feelings, and that we have learned to "mask" them through false smiles.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
Competent Communication
Hello all, and thank you for reading my post!
This week, we were asked to
"What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?:
I chose my mother for this activity. I chose her because she is a great listener and communicator. Often ask my mother how she could have a conversation with someone that is offending her without showing any emotion. It amazes me how she maintains her tone, and overall calm demeanor while this is happening. My mother works for the hospital, and she comes into contact with a lot of people ( patents and corporate) that can have horrible attitudes. She handles it with grace and intellect.
I model many of my behavior after my mother. Mainly because she is the first example of how a lady should conduct herself. I am still working on some of the communication skills that my mother has mastered. One of my flaws is my temper. I wear it on my face even when I do not say a word. When I feel offended, I usually go silent to not show anger. I take some time to myself, and then I come back to the conversation. Some would say that this is a great characteristic, but I would like to have complete control over my body language and my emotions when angry or hurt. I want to seem calm,cool, and collected like my mother. I guess that comes with maturity and growth.
Thanks for reading!
ADWM
This week, we were asked to
"What behaviors does this person exhibit that make him or her effective? Would you want to model some of your own communication behaviors after this person? Why or why not?:
I chose my mother for this activity. I chose her because she is a great listener and communicator. Often ask my mother how she could have a conversation with someone that is offending her without showing any emotion. It amazes me how she maintains her tone, and overall calm demeanor while this is happening. My mother works for the hospital, and she comes into contact with a lot of people ( patents and corporate) that can have horrible attitudes. She handles it with grace and intellect.
I model many of my behavior after my mother. Mainly because she is the first example of how a lady should conduct herself. I am still working on some of the communication skills that my mother has mastered. One of my flaws is my temper. I wear it on my face even when I do not say a word. When I feel offended, I usually go silent to not show anger. I take some time to myself, and then I come back to the conversation. Some would say that this is a great characteristic, but I would like to have complete control over my body language and my emotions when angry or hurt. I want to seem calm,cool, and collected like my mother. I guess that comes with maturity and growth.
Thanks for reading!
ADWM
Sunday, April 27, 2014
PROFESSIONAL HOPES AND GOALS
The hope that I have when I think about working with children and families who come from diverse backgrounds is that all of them are open to learning about all of their peers cultures. I believe that this will bring about a sense of community, and it will to open the minds of the children.
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that one day this world will become a world that eliminates racism, and opens up to peaceful diversity, equality for all, and social justice.
I would like to thank all of you for your help, advice, support,resources,and expertise. I truly appreciate you all, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
One goal I would like to set for the early childhood field related to issues of diversity, equity, and social justice is that one day this world will become a world that eliminates racism, and opens up to peaceful diversity, equality for all, and social justice.
I would like to thank all of you for your help, advice, support,resources,and expertise. I truly appreciate you all, and I wish you nothing but the best!
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
Sunday, April 20, 2014
WELCOMING FAMILIES FROM AROUND THE WORLD
This week we were asked to;
"You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice—a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.
In order to complete this assignment, first choose a country you know nothing about as this family’s country of origin."
The country that I chose for my family's country of origin is ......
Dubai
I chose this place because I have always been interested in the culture,the beautiful city, and their technology.
"
Culture and People
Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that governs even the smallest of everyday events, from what to wear to what to eat and drink. Arabic culture in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art is encouraged and weddings and celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music.
Hospitality
The most highly prized virtues of the Arab world are courtesy and hospitality. And they charm there guests the genuine warmth and friendliness. The serving of freshly ground Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom is a sign of welcome. This is poured from the traditional long-spouted Arabic coffee pot into small cups with no handles. It is considered polite to accept one, two or three cups and then shake the cup gently from side to side to indicate you have had enough.
Family Life
The family is the most important institution in Arab society encompassing grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc as well as the immediate nuclear family unit. Relationships within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded to the elder members.
Marriages are arranged between families, although the bride and bridegroom naturally have to agree to the liaison. Wedding celebrations are major occasions lasting for several days. They involve feasting, music and dancing. Women are respected in Islamic society, taking their place at the heart of the family. Women also have equal educational opportunities and increasingly work outside the home.
Traditional Sports
The Traditional sport that is still practiced is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird, and it is not unusual to see a hooded falcon being trained on its owner's gloved wrist.
The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for champions.
Throughout history, the Arab's have maintained great love of horses. This tradition lives on today in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai in recent years, including the establishment of the Dubai World Cup the world's richest horse race.
Theatre
There is only one permanent theatre company in Dubai. The Indian Playhouse, the Intercontinental Hotel, features performances by Burjor Patel Productions and hosts the travelling British Airways Playhouse, which makes frequent visits to Dubai.
Dance
There are a number of dance schools in Dubai like the renowned Ballet Center, behind, with ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. In addition, belly-dancing and traditional dances are a mainstay in Arabic nightclubs, such as Al-Diwan, Metropolitan Palace Hotel and Escoba, Al-Khaleej Palace Hotel.
Music
The Dubai International Congress Center and The Crowne Plaza Hotel are the main venues that host visiting orchestras and musicians from around the world. Arabic nightclubs are the main venues for traditional Arabian music."
The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family is
Researching
- I would research "my" family and "our" people. "our" culture, belief systems, food, and traditions. Even if I may not have the same beliefs, I will know how to conduct myself respectfully.
Immersion
- I would totally immerse myself in their ways before I go there, so I will not feel the effects of culture shock.
Learn the language
- I would learn the most important words firstly, so that I could survive even when left alone.
Study the family History and I would research the educational culture as well, because education is my passion.
Hopefully, with these preparations I would be able to be successful and comfortable in my new environment, and hopefully it would create a closeness to my family.
"You are working in an early childhood setting of your choice—a hospital, a child care center, a social service agency. You receive word that the child of a family who has recently emigrated from a country you know nothing about will join your group soon. You want to prepare yourself to welcome the child and her family. Luckily, you are enrolled in a course about diversity and have learned that in order to support families who have immigrated you need to know more than surface facts about their country of origin.
In order to complete this assignment, first choose a country you know nothing about as this family’s country of origin."
The country that I chose for my family's country of origin is ......
Dubai
I chose this place because I have always been interested in the culture,the beautiful city, and their technology.
"
Culture and People
Dubai's culture is firmly rooted in the Islamic traditions of Arabia. Islam is more than just a religion, it is a way of life that governs even the smallest of everyday events, from what to wear to what to eat and drink. Arabic culture in poetry, dancing, songs and traditional art is encouraged and weddings and celebrations are colorful occasions of feasting and music.
Hospitality
The most highly prized virtues of the Arab world are courtesy and hospitality. And they charm there guests the genuine warmth and friendliness. The serving of freshly ground Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom is a sign of welcome. This is poured from the traditional long-spouted Arabic coffee pot into small cups with no handles. It is considered polite to accept one, two or three cups and then shake the cup gently from side to side to indicate you have had enough.
Family Life
The family is the most important institution in Arab society encompassing grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, etc as well as the immediate nuclear family unit. Relationships within these extended families are strong and respect is accorded to the elder members.
Marriages are arranged between families, although the bride and bridegroom naturally have to agree to the liaison. Wedding celebrations are major occasions lasting for several days. They involve feasting, music and dancing. Women are respected in Islamic society, taking their place at the heart of the family. Women also have equal educational opportunities and increasingly work outside the home.
Traditional Sports
The Traditional sport that is still practiced is the sport of falconry, a unique partnership between man and bird, and it is not unusual to see a hooded falcon being trained on its owner's gloved wrist.
The ancient sport of camel racing attracts a sizeable following and substantial purses for champions.
Throughout history, the Arab's have maintained great love of horses. This tradition lives on today in the rapid growth and development of horse racing in Dubai in recent years, including the establishment of the Dubai World Cup the world's richest horse race.
Theatre
There is only one permanent theatre company in Dubai. The Indian Playhouse, the Intercontinental Hotel, features performances by Burjor Patel Productions and hosts the travelling British Airways Playhouse, which makes frequent visits to Dubai.
Dance
There are a number of dance schools in Dubai like the renowned Ballet Center, behind, with ballet, jazz, tap and modern dance. In addition, belly-dancing and traditional dances are a mainstay in Arabic nightclubs, such as Al-Diwan, Metropolitan Palace Hotel and Escoba, Al-Khaleej Palace Hotel.
Music
The Dubai International Congress Center and The Crowne Plaza Hotel are the main venues that host visiting orchestras and musicians from around the world. Arabic nightclubs are the main venues for traditional Arabian music."
The five ways in which I will prepare myself to be culturally responsive towards this family is
Researching
- I would research "my" family and "our" people. "our" culture, belief systems, food, and traditions. Even if I may not have the same beliefs, I will know how to conduct myself respectfully.
Immersion
- I would totally immerse myself in their ways before I go there, so I will not feel the effects of culture shock.
Learn the language
- I would learn the most important words firstly, so that I could survive even when left alone.
Study the family History and I would research the educational culture as well, because education is my passion.
Hopefully, with these preparations I would be able to be successful and comfortable in my new environment, and hopefully it would create a closeness to my family.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Practicing Awareness of Microaggressions
Don't Judge a book by its cover....
This week we were asked to research microaggressions. We were also asked to evaluate our personal biases as well.
One example of a microaggression which I detected this week was when a parent used a racial slur when an Egyptian couple came in to tour my school. The parent automatically assumed that they were "dangerous".
The parent soon found out that the family was not what she assumed. They were the complete opposite. The parent used stereotypes and ignorance to cloud her judgement. I felt so sorry and embarrassed and ashamed at her behavior. My first thought was that her children were witness to her behavior, and they would copy this is something was not changed immediately. Being raised in a multi-cultural family, I am not offended or frightened by other's differences. I understand that this is what makes us special. It was truly a teaching lesson for the parent and the children.
My perception of the parent changed dramatically. I never thought that she would be so closed minded. She always seemed so nice, and open to changed and multiple cultures. It only reminded me of the uphill battle that we as educators and individuals have to fight daily. It also reminded me that you never know what people most inner thoughts are. It was a reality check in its rawest form.
Be Peaceful, Love all, and Educate continuously,
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
Sunday, March 16, 2014
My Three Go to items...Week 2
For this week we were told to imagine
"A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture."
Woo, Intense right?
We were then asked to answer the following questions;
1.A description of the three items you would choose
I would take my hair gel ( I know shallow, but I have natural hair. I do not want to scare anyone LOL).
my carry on lock box
My phone
How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you
Hair gel- i do not want to scare anyone with my Dianna Ross huge hair.
Lock box- It holds family history documentation
Phone- communication,GPS,and research purposes
Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you
I would choose my phone because I have my family tree(and documentation)saved on it, and I can look up videos on how to do my hair without gel. LOL
Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise,
Family is very important in my culture, and I was raised that a lady carries herself with great grace and class( hence the hair gel choice).
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
"A major catastrophe has almost completely devastated the infrastructure of your country. The emergency government has decided that the surviving citizens will be best served if they are evacuated to other countries willing to take refugees. You and your immediate family are among the survivors of this catastrophic event. However, you have absolutely no input into the final destination or in any other evacuation details. You are told that your host country’s culture is completely different from your own, and that you might have to stay there permanently. You are further told that, in addition to one change of clothes, you can only take 3 small items with you. You decide to take three items that you hold dear and that represent your family culture."
Woo, Intense right?
We were then asked to answer the following questions;
1.A description of the three items you would choose
I would take my hair gel ( I know shallow, but I have natural hair. I do not want to scare anyone LOL).
my carry on lock box
My phone
How you would explain to others what each of these items means to you
Hair gel- i do not want to scare anyone with my Dianna Ross huge hair.
Lock box- It holds family history documentation
Phone- communication,GPS,and research purposes
Your feelings if, upon arrival, you were told that you could only keep one personal item and have to give up the other two items you brought with you
I would choose my phone because I have my family tree(and documentation)saved on it, and I can look up videos on how to do my hair without gel. LOL
Any insights you gained about yourself, your family culture, diversity, and/or cultural differences in general, as a result of this exercise,
Family is very important in my culture, and I was raised that a lady carries herself with great grace and class( hence the hair gel choice).
Ashley Wilkins-Miller
Sunday, March 2, 2014
Equity.. Week 8
WOW, This course Flew by! For this week's blog assignment, We were asked to complete and answer these questions.
What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
In this course, i have learned that research is far more detailed than statistics and pages of long words that make zero sense to the average reader. I have learned that research if used properly can change our communities, laws, cities, country, and even the world. I am grateful for this course because of this.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
Before this course, I wasn't completely sure how to conduct a formal research study. I would just type a paper and hope for the best. lol. But jokes aside, this course has prepared me and has given me the tools as to how to accurately conduct a study and how to validate it.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
Each week, we covered the steps of how we can complete each step of research... planning, designing, and conducting research. I also realized that face of curriculum and Early Childhood education has changed for the better because of the research that educators has conducted over the years.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
At the beginning of the course, I had a hard time focusing and understanding the course due to some serious issues that occurred with me family.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
I realize that research is a vital part of our profession. Many times, It is the catalyst of change in our field.
See you all in the next course!
What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
In this course, i have learned that research is far more detailed than statistics and pages of long words that make zero sense to the average reader. I have learned that research if used properly can change our communities, laws, cities, country, and even the world. I am grateful for this course because of this.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
Before this course, I wasn't completely sure how to conduct a formal research study. I would just type a paper and hope for the best. lol. But jokes aside, this course has prepared me and has given me the tools as to how to accurately conduct a study and how to validate it.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
Each week, we covered the steps of how we can complete each step of research... planning, designing, and conducting research. I also realized that face of curriculum and Early Childhood education has changed for the better because of the research that educators has conducted over the years.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
At the beginning of the course, I had a hard time focusing and understanding the course due to some serious issues that occurred with me family.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
I realize that research is a vital part of our profession. Many times, It is the catalyst of change in our field.
See you all in the next course!
Sunday, January 26, 2014
Research that Benefits Children and Families—Uplifting Stories
Making the World thinner..... the skinny on Childhood obesity.
"Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. As methods to determine body fat directly are difficult, the diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI. Due to the rising prevalence of obesity in children and its many adverse health effects it is being recognized as a serious public health concern."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity
As a previous WIC nutritionist for two years, I personally saw the effects of Early childhood obesity. My mothers over feed their infants and small children daily. This creates a serious issue in our country. These overweight children will become over weight adults if something does not change. This research is based on to cluster groups. One group will receive nutritional education ( nutrition plans, etc). The second group will continue to eat what they normally would eat.The subjects will be from the ages of 1 year old- 4 year old.
This research will educate children on a health lifestyle changes.
"Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.1, 2
The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.1, 2
In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.1
Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors.3 Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.4
Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.5,6"(CDC)
This research will also teach the families that risks of this. "Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.6
The dietary and physical activity behaviors of children and adolescents are influenced by many sectors of society, including families, communities, schools, child care settings, medical care providers, faith-based institutions, government agencies, the media, and the food and beverage industries and entertainment industries.
Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors."(CDC)
With the education and the know how to do better, these children will have a brighter disease free, and healthy children.
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
"Childhood obesity is a condition where excess body fat negatively affects a child's health or wellbeing. As methods to determine body fat directly are difficult, the diagnosis of obesity is often based on BMI. Due to the rising prevalence of obesity in children and its many adverse health effects it is being recognized as a serious public health concern."http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Childhood_obesity
As a previous WIC nutritionist for two years, I personally saw the effects of Early childhood obesity. My mothers over feed their infants and small children daily. This creates a serious issue in our country. These overweight children will become over weight adults if something does not change. This research is based on to cluster groups. One group will receive nutritional education ( nutrition plans, etc). The second group will continue to eat what they normally would eat.The subjects will be from the ages of 1 year old- 4 year old.
This research will educate children on a health lifestyle changes.
"Childhood obesity has more than doubled in children and tripled in adolescents in the past 30 years.1, 2
The percentage of children aged 6–11 years in the United States who were obese increased from 7% in 1980 to nearly 18% in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of adolescents aged 12–19 years who were obese increased from 5% to 18% over the same period.1, 2
In 2010, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese.1
Overweight is defined as having excess body weight for a particular height from fat, muscle, bone, water, or a combination of these factors.3 Obesity is defined as having excess body fat.4
Overweight and obesity are the result of “caloric imbalance”—too few calories expended for the amount of calories consumed—and are affected by various genetic, behavioral, and environmental factors.5,6"(CDC)
This research will also teach the families that risks of this. "Healthy lifestyle habits, including healthy eating and physical activity, can lower the risk of becoming obese and developing related diseases.6
The dietary and physical activity behaviors of children and adolescents are influenced by many sectors of society, including families, communities, schools, child care settings, medical care providers, faith-based institutions, government agencies, the media, and the food and beverage industries and entertainment industries.
Schools play a particularly critical role by establishing a safe and supportive environment with policies and practices that support healthy behaviors. Schools also provide opportunities for students to learn about and practice healthy eating and physical activity behaviors."(CDC)
With the education and the know how to do better, these children will have a brighter disease free, and healthy children.
Resources
http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/obesity/facts.htm
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