Work Based Research In The Early Years

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

Providing high quality play experiences is an essential part of good early years education, but this can pose a challenge for practitioners who face pressure from a more didactic primary curriculum, and from parents worried that their children will fail to acquire essential skills and knowledge. By helping the reader to develop their understanding of the complex relationships between play and learning, this book examines current theoretical perspectives on play, alongside examples of recent and innovative play research from a range of disciplinary and methodological perspectives. With contributions from leading play scholars, it brings together theory, research, policy and practice in relation to play and learning in early years settings. The emphasis is on the relationship between play and learning, and play and pedagogy, and the need to understand these dimensions more substantially in order to teach with confidence. Included are chapters on: - the influence of play on thinking, problem-solving and creativity - cooperative play and learning - play, risk and outdoor learning - learning to play in cultural context There are chapter objectives, reflective points, reflective tasks and suggestions for further reading throughout, to facilitate critical thinking and encourage independent study. Suitable for early years practitioners, early childhood students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and all those who work with and care for young children, this is an exciting and thought-provoking book.

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.

‘Action research and Early Years practices go together, as naturally as the new day rising. This book is a celebration of new days. Early Years research is a practice for creative thinking for new tomorrows; the book shows us how to do this, and is to be commended for anyone who wishes to find innovative ways to think and act for all new beginnings.’ -Jean McNiff, Professor of Educational Research, York St John University Where do you start with a research project? How do you choose a good question? What are tutors looking for in an outstanding project? This book will help you answer all of the above and that is just the beginning. With examples of real research projects from students just like you, it takes you through each step of the process including: Choosing your question and approach Making sure your research is ethical Gathering and analysing data Reaching conclusions Putting your findings into practice. After each example the authors provide commentary on what made each project so good, or what needed more work, helping you see what a good project really looks like. Suitable for anyone tackling a research project as part of the Early Years course, at foundation or degree level, this book will help you make sure your project is interesting, relevant and impacts on your practice.

Written for anyone working in the field of early years education and care, this book encourages students and practitioners to consider their own practice and to examine practice in a wide range of early years settings. The four sections link closely to the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage, and support the reader in developing a critical and reflective approach to their own work. Issues covered include: @!play in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in England @!the Foundation Phase in Wales @!safeguarding children @!the healthy child @!leading a team at a Children′s Centre @!how childminders are working with the EYFS @!leading and managing a multi-agency workforce @!Continuing Professional Development for early years practitioners Ideal for those working towards Early Years Professional Status (EYPS), this book is also a must-read for students on any early years course, and will help the professional development of all practitioners working with the Birth to Eight age range. Michael Reed is Senior Lecturer at the University of Worcester and Associate Lecturer with the Open University. Natalie Canning is Lecturer at the Open University.