Research Event - 24 October 2017 - Moray House School of Education

Quite excited about my Research Event tomorrow night at Moray House School of Education.

Having done some initial analysis I have identified some gaps in the data that I have collected and have arranged a research event to which my participants and the fourth year students of the BA Childhood Practice at the University of Edinburgh are duly invited to participate. I have also been invited to talk through my own methodology as the fourth year students are about to embark upon their own research projects. I hope to inspire and encourage them with my own research experience.

I am looking for animated and thoughtful discussion around the following statements and questions:

1. Gathorne-Hardy (1972:5) makes the point that throughout history the one area of human life that has changed the least and changes the slowest is the bringing up of children. She says "We bring up very small children as we were brought up ourselves..." This statement was made in 1972 and personally I think it still stands, to a degree, we are highly influenced by our own personal experience and primary socialisation. What do you think?

2. Throughout my data collection it has been suggested that it is not professional to say you love the children in your setting or to demonstrate that love. What do you think?

3. How might the following impact upon demonstrating love in an early years setting? - ethnicity, culture, religion, age, gender.

4. Love is now something that every child has a right to expect in the setting, according to the new Health and Social Care Standards. This may be challenging to some people's personal beliefs and values. Discuss.

I am hoping that we will get some lively and informative discussions going within the groups and that this will help to clarify questions that I have about love and professionalism.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.