What Are the Research Priorities of Australian Early Childhood Professionals? Results of a Delphi Style Study

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Bibliographic Details
Title: What Are the Research Priorities of Australian Early Childhood Professionals? Results of a Delphi Style Study
Language: English
Authors: Eadie, Patricia (ORCID 0000-0001-5555-8325), Deery, Ben (ORCID 0000-0002-5313-1851), Murray, Lisa (ORCID 0000-0002-1751-031X), Levickis, Penny (ORCID 0000-0003-0534-733X), Page, Jane (ORCID 0000-0002-2310-4051), Elek, Catriona (ORCID 0000-0002-7941-9669)
Source: International Journal of Early Years Education. 2023 31(4):971-986.
Availability: Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 16
Publication Date: 2023
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Preschool Education
Descriptors: Early Childhood Education, Preschool Teachers, Teacher Attitudes, Well Being, Mental Health, Networks, Faculty Development, COVID-19, Pandemics, Teacher Surveys, Foreign Countries, Action Research
Geographic Terms: Australia
DOI: 10.1080/09669760.2022.2091980
ISSN: 0966-9760
1469-8463
Abstract: The aims of this study were to establish a Research Network of Early Childhood Professionals and to identity network members' top research priorities and preferred research methods. Australian early childhood education (ECE) professionals were invited to participate in a Delphi-style survey. In Stage 1, participants were asked to describe the most important issues in ECE that need addressing; from this, a 'top 20' list of the most common research priorities was generated. In Stage 2, respondents were asked to prioritise the top 20 research topics and to rate their interest in participating in various methods of research. A total of 182 ECE professionals completed the Stage 1 survey (pre-COVID-19), yielding 34 topics of research interest. Ninety-four respondents completed the Stage 2 survey (during the COVID-19 pandemic), ranking the top three most important research topics as: educator wellbeing and mental health, child wellbeing and mental health, and professional learning and development. Members of the network appear to be interested in participating in ECE research and their research priorities can help highlight real-world issues warranting further investigation. Facilitating research that addresses prioritised ECE areas is particularly timely given the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the ECE sector.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2023
Accession Number: EJ1403904
Database: ERIC
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Abstract:The aims of this study were to establish a Research Network of Early Childhood Professionals and to identity network members' top research priorities and preferred research methods. Australian early childhood education (ECE) professionals were invited to participate in a Delphi-style survey. In Stage 1, participants were asked to describe the most important issues in ECE that need addressing; from this, a 'top 20' list of the most common research priorities was generated. In Stage 2, respondents were asked to prioritise the top 20 research topics and to rate their interest in participating in various methods of research. A total of 182 ECE professionals completed the Stage 1 survey (pre-COVID-19), yielding 34 topics of research interest. Ninety-four respondents completed the Stage 2 survey (during the COVID-19 pandemic), ranking the top three most important research topics as: educator wellbeing and mental health, child wellbeing and mental health, and professional learning and development. Members of the network appear to be interested in participating in ECE research and their research priorities can help highlight real-world issues warranting further investigation. Facilitating research that addresses prioritised ECE areas is particularly timely given the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the ECE sector.
ISSN:0966-9760
1469-8463
DOI:10.1080/09669760.2022.2091980