When I Think of Research

When I Think of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

            

            When I began this course, I assumed that I would have to actually do a research project or that I would end up having to complete several papers throughout the course as I did in a previous research class.  I must say that it was a enjoyable learning experience which help me gain even more knowledge about conducting research and how to determine what constitutes an actual research study.  Preparing a paper and preparing to complete an actual study has proven to be so different even though the study prepares you for writing the actual paper.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed? 

            My ideas have changed because I now have more comprehensive knowledge about how to conduct a research study and what details are involved in order to ensure the study has validity.  The information I gained here coupled with what I retained from previous courses have help me become more thoroughly knowledgeable about what is needed before, during, and at the conclusion of the study.  Research is a more critical and complex than I originally thought and therefore must be done ethically, professionally and without bias in order to achieve much needed results and desire information.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

            The planning, designing and conducting of research are the most important process of study.  This must be done in detail so that the researcher is thorough and has covered all the areas needed to ensure success.  The process is very time consuming and detailed oriented and must therefore be given much need forethought before beginning the process so that every possible step and unforeseen problems can be addressed before beginning the study.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

            The biggest challenge I had was modifying my research question so that it met the criteria needed to form a hypothesis and eliminating generalizing what the study would be.  I also felt another challenge was that of determining the step I would take in order to conduct a research study in the field of early childhood.  It is so vastly different when working with young children than adults, which is what my previous experience included. 

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

            My perceptions of an early childhood professional has modified as a result of this course and the previous courses I have taken in so many ways.  I was unaware of all the research done by many professionals in the field of ECE in other countries and all the information gained from much of that research.  I realize that it is only through continuous research and work in the early childhood field that we as professionals will improve the services to children and their families and as a result of the courses I have had the opportunity to engage in, I find that I want to be a part of this process on every level, even having the opportunity to conduct research in the future.

            I would like to thank my colleagues for all the input and information they have given me throughout the semester through both our discussions and our blogs.  Your insights have been invaluable and the information that I gained throughout this course and I appreciate all that I have learned, both from them and from my instructor, Dr. Myers.  This has given me insight about the direction I would like to take as an Early Childhood professional.