As a mature student in my second year of an Early Childhood Studies degree at Warwick University and a worker at a LEA nursery school (due to become the local children's centre), it made perfect reading for my circumstances.
I've just spent the morning trying to compile the empirical evidence section for this year's research project, an undertaking that was driving me to question 'Why am I doing this?' Then my copy of Nursery World was delivered and the article was the first thing I turned to. It was a perfect reminder of just why I chose to undertake this degree.
However visionary I may be as a childcare worker, I need to know the theories to provide the questions. I need to look at the big (global) picture and remind myself that the children I work with are not just individuals, but they exist in a shared world, and if research helps me understand and gain knowledge to do what I love (working with children) in a more pro-active and positive way, then let research reign supreme.
We can all benefit from this. To use the words of Penn and Ang, 'Possessing a thorough understanding of research would in turn mean that heads of children's services and centres would be better placed to commission and evaluate research in their own working environment.'
Understanding builds the hope that we can improve the world for all children, hope builds vision and vision drives us forward.
For the first time, in what has been a busy and dreary few weeks, I now remember why I undertook the challenge of this degree. With my coffee break over, I'll go back to my research project with renewed vigour. Thank you.
* Pauline Davies, Kenilworth, Warwickshire
