Month: February 2018

Research Around the World: Australia

Published on by msedteacher5 Comments

Website I chose from this weeks resources: http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/

Current international research that caught my interest

(1) Prioritizing Children

(2) New App Makes Parenting Fun

both retrieved from the link:

http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/wpcontent/uploads/2018/01/WW275_final7.html

(1)

I found this article interesting because it spoke upon prioritizing children. Meaning Sydney, Australia wants to put children first by making sure they have education, and involving children when making choices, and making sure children have rights. They are concerned about allowing children “have a fair chance at education, healthy development and positive life chances” (UNICEF, 2017). They would do this by creating a National Action Plan for Children.

It is great to know that children are being put first on the agenda. I feel that families in the United States are less willing to send their children to school because of how unsafe it is or all the stress that is being put on their child. However, Sydney is actually listening to their children by inviting the “Assistant Minister to join in hearing directly from children – about their lives, their biggest challenges and what they need and expect from government” (UNICEF, 2017). Although this could be harder for younger children because sometimes they cannot express how they are feeling verbally, however, they can express it through other actions such as play, drawing etc.

(2) 

  • ARTICLE: New App Makes Parenting Fun
  • DATE: 11/27/2017
  • WEBSITE: https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-app-makes-parenting-fun/

This was another article that caught my attention because I have never heard of apps for parents. This app was developed to help parents interact with their children easier and helping to provide strong bonds among families.

“Australia’s largest aid and development agencies” called Save the Children, “oversaw the development of the app by working with researchers, policymakers and practitioners and consulting with parents” (Premier of Victoria, 2017). Not only did they take into account policy makers, but they considered speaking to researchers and parents. Not only do policy makers understand a child’s rights, but researchers help us understand how a child processes their cognitive, social-emotional, physical, and language development. Involving parents is also important because they experience it first hand. Parents can help share their experiences to other families that are undergoing those situations.

“It is one of many measures the Government is using to support parents to grow their skills and confidence so that families can thrive and children can reach their full potential” (Premier of Victoria, 2017).

I can understand why am app is being used to help parents because technology has improved and everyone is always on some kind of technology device. The creators are trying to keep with the norms of society, where everyone is always using some kind of technology device. It is also a lot faster to upload documents, suggestions, and ideas on the app. Yes, you are possibly interacting with other people, however, it is different when you have a human interaction and are able to share your stories.

 

Reference:

UNICEF. 2017. Prioritizing children. Retrieved from https://www.unicef.org.au/about-us/media/december-2017/assistant-minister-for-children-and-families-a-sig

Premier of Victoria. 2017. New app makes Parenting Fun. Retrieved from https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/new-app-makes-parenting-fun/