Work-Based Research in the Early Years

Author: Sue Callan
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 0857021753
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
In the early years sector of education, all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research,as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, Work-Based Research in the Early Years focuses on the development of research in practice and how it can work in a variety of settings. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included. Chapters are organized under three headings: planning for research, doing research, and learning from research. Concentrating on action research, this book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and how to ensure it underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on the impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection.

Advanced Work-based Practice in the Early Years

Author: Samantha McMahon
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780815396550
Category : Early childhood education
Languages : en
Pages : 148

Book Description
Inspired by the first-hand experiences of those studying early childhood education and care, this book supports students as they gain advanced knowledge and skills, and embark on the journey from inexperienced student to graduate professional. Bringing together advanced theory, links to research, and illustrative case studies, Advanced Work-based Practice in the Early Years enables students to consolidate learning by applying theory to practice and identifying the skills, knowledge and personal traits which will help them succeed as a graduate practitioner. Chapters address a wealth of topical issues relating to both the development of the child and the student's own professional development. Areas of focus include ethical practice, safeguarding and child protection, the voice of the child, the role of the mentor, observation, assessment and the social and cultural factors which may impact on a child's development. Including reflective activities, practical tips, and examples of student experience throughout, this is an essential text for all early years students as they make the transition from academic study to professional practice.

Work-Based Research in the Early Years

Author: Sue Callan
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446249859
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 162

Book Description
In the early years sector all practitioners are now expected to engage in work-based research, as a means of improving practice and demonstrating leadership. Using examples from recent practitioner projects, this text offers a ′real world′ approach to research consistent with models that involve the active participation of children and families. With the aim of clarifying themes and concepts for inexperienced researchers, the text explores ethical principles underpinning research, supported by case studies, which will be of particular relevance to students undertaking their own small-scale investigations. Further reading on research methodology is also included. Chapters are organized under three headings: - planning for research; - doing research; - learning from research. This book provides practitioners and undergraduates with a greater understanding of the position of the researcher, how to facilitate research and the way in which research underpins raising achievement and change in the workplace. There is an emphasis on impact of research on practice, illustrated through reflection on the authors′ experience of preparing this text. Sue Callan is an Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Michael Reed is a Senior Lecturer on the BA Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester.

Doing Work Based Research

Author: Carol Costley
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1848606788
Category : Reference
Languages : en
Pages : 225

Book Description
With the growth of practitioner research, this book leads the way by addressing key issues faced by ‘insider researchers’ – those doing research projects in the organizations and communities in which they themselves work, or where they are already familiar with the setting. The authors explore the implications of these research contexts, and discuss approaches and methodologies that researchers in these contexts might adopt, with a particular focus on ethics - one of the key concerns for students undertaking a research project of this type.

Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8

Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309324882
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 587

Book Description
Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

Early Years Work-Based Learning

Author: Penny Farrelly
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1844456161
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 137

Book Description
This book supports students on foundation degrees and degrees in Early Years and Early Childhood Studies that have a work-based element. An essential introduction to becoming a professional in the sector, it begins by looking at work-based learning and goes on to cover study, research skills and essential subject knowledge. It includes activities to help students increase their confidence and get the most out of their course. Essential information on Early Years Professional Status (EYPS) considers the current scene and the future of the sector.

Practitioner Research in Early Childhood

Author: Linda Newman
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1473934214
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 161

Book Description
"This comprehensive publication rightly establishes early childhood as a critical phase in the education of young people and makes the case for developing our insights regarding early childhood education (ECE) practices through the eyes of practitioner inquiry in the context of collaborative partnerships. It achieves its goal through a series of insightful case studies that not only illuminate the text as stories from the field, but also contribute to our understanding regarding ECE learning and pedagogy."- Susan Groundwater-Smith, Honorary Professor, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney. Bringing together theory and practice, this book draws on the projects and experiences of senior and new researchers implementing various forms of practitioner research. Chapter discussions are informed by international literature to provide insightful reflections on research processes and the contribution of practitioner research in changing practice. The diversity of perspectives across the chapters provides an excellent resource for those undertaking research within early childhood contexts. Features include: the contribution of practitioner research to curriculum and social change. professional development and strengthening learning communities how practitioners can be supported in documenting and articulating their work the relationships between the research community and field of practice through practitioner research projects contemporary problems and issues that frame the practices of early childhood educators case studies from Australia, South Africa, Sweden and Chile A diverse range of case studies that use a range of internationally recognised research methods are presented. The book offers guidance, support and inspiration to practitioners on how to research their implementation of meaningful and sustainable changes in early childhood contexts.

Mindstorms

Author: Seymour A Papert
Publisher: Basic Books
ISBN: 154167510X
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 256

Book Description
In this revolutionary book, a renowned computer scientist explains the importance of teaching children the basics of computing and how it can prepare them to succeed in the ever-evolving tech world. Computers have completely changed the way we teach children. We have Mindstorms to thank for that. In this book, pioneering computer scientist Seymour Papert uses the invention of LOGO, the first child-friendly programming language, to make the case for the value of teaching children with computers. Papert argues that children are more than capable of mastering computers, and that teaching computational processes like de-bugging in the classroom can change the way we learn everything else. He also shows that schools saturated with technology can actually improve socialization and interaction among students and between students and teachers. Technology changes every day, but the basic ways that computers can help us learn remain. For thousands of teachers and parents who have sought creative ways to help children learn with computers, Mindstorms is their bible.

The Reflective Early Years Practitioner

Author: Elaine Hallet
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 1446290336
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 217

Book Description
Shortlisted for the 2013 Nursery World Awards! ′The author offers opportunity to reflect upon experience and brings together reflective practice and work-based learning, aiming to support the professional growth of a reflective early years workforce′ -Karen Ward, Senior Lecturer in Early Years, Birmingham City University Work-based reflective learning is a key part of the professional development of practitioners working in the early years sector. The Reflective Early Years Practitioner focuses on the practitioner′s role and development within a wide range of contexts in this area. Informed by empirical research, packed with case studies from a wide range of settings and with points for reflection in each chapter, the author covers: - developing as an early years practitioner - reflective vocational progression - pedagogical examples for continuing professional development - study skills to begin reflective practice - professionalism and reflective leadership in the early years Vital aspects of practice, such as assessing and planning for children′s learning, developing inclusive teaching strategies and integrated practice are highlighted within the chapters. This is essential reading for students undertaking work-based and academic study in early years and for those working towards post-graduate and professional qualifications. It provides readers with tools to continually practice work-based reflective learning now and in the future.

Early Years Placements

Author: Jackie Musgrave
Publisher: Critical Publishing
ISBN: 1909682683
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 146

Book Description
This is a key text for all those undertaking placements or work-based learning (WBL) in early years settings. Taking a practical approach underpinned by theory and research, it guides student practitioners through their WBL to help them achieve an outstanding experience. There is a focus on the variety of child, parent and practitioner perspectives plus case studies involving the full range of ages from across the early years. While it is invaluable in answering key questions about placements it also encourages a reflective and critical approach throughout that develops and promotes professionalism. It is completely up to date with the latest Early Years Foundation Stage and includes reference to the Early Years Teachers' Standards.