yuli8795
commented
5 years ago Week 2 (04/03/19-10/03/19):
- Continued research into STEM communication in Early Childhood
- Expanded Introduction
- Created rough draft of possible questions
Findings
- Study on educator perceptions on STEM completed recently in ACT https://link-springer-com.ezproxy1.library.usyd.edu.au/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fs13158-018-0229-5.pdf
- There is more research and stronger opinion for teaching STEM in early childhood education
Thoughts
- Methodology; the ACT survey included demographics of respondents, but did not make any conclusions about this, which could be something to look into. Might also be a good idea to consider weighting of responses/matching sample to population. For example, if educational leaders made up 20% of early childhood workers but constituted 50% of responses, final analysis would be skewed towards educational leader perspectives which may not be an accurate representation of all educator perspectives. ACT survey also didn't ask the purpose of educators attending the training. If majority of educators who responded were present out of their own interest in STEM, then conclusions would clearly be skewed towards more positive opinions.
- Research questions; since there is some information on educator perspectives on STEM, could similarly research into perspectives with different methodology and see if there are differences (ACT vs NSW). But could also look more into the implementation side. For example, "What do you believe you need in order to effectively implement STEM activities? (check all that apply)". Responses could also indicate educator perceptions on running such activities, e.g. selecting "greater budget" could imply the educator believes STEM activities require many/expensive resources. Perceptions on implementing STEM? This all links back to educator confidence.
- How should this survey be distributed? Should it be kept within council-owned centres or opened to private centres as well? Recently, privatisation has been occurring, so many council-owned centres have become privately owned (greater number of private centres now than before). But distributing the survey to private centres may be difficult. Also consider the difference between preschool and long day care.
- Introduction; a bit broad at times, and at times maybe too specific. Further research and editing required. Perhaps an introduction into issue (context), then separate section detailing studies related to topic thus far (what is known/existing theory), then end with motivation for study (something unknown at the moment).
This is a diary to keep track of progress in the Perceptions, Comprehension and Implementation in Early Childhood STEM Education project.
Week 1 (27/02/19-03/03/19):
Main Findings