Through taking this course, I have learned a great deal about
research. I came into the class not knowing much about research and I can say leaving
this class, I feel confident in analyzing research and even being part of a research
group. I enjoyed taking understanding research step by step and gaining an
understanding of one topic before moving onto another topic. I was very
overwhelmed at first at the thought of research because I have never had a good
experience with it. My thoughts about research have changed and even though it
still might seem overwhelming at first, taking each section at a time will help
with understanding the entire research question.
I learned that planning, designing, and conducting research in
early childhood takes a lot of time. Research is not something that can happen overnight.
I also learned that you can change different things throughout the research
process if you notice it is not working. Research is like the scientific
method. There are steps that need to be
followed and a lot of planning and designing that has to occur first before
going out to gather data. The researcher first needs to know what they are
focusing on, what is the goal, who will be involved, among many more important factors.
I found the week on variables to be the most challenging for me
because I could not understand the difference between them in my simulation. I
understood the definition of them but when it came to applying when I learned
through reading to my simulation I was confused. I was able to ask people for
help as well as look at the feedback from the instructor on what I was doing
wrong and how to clarify my understanding of the topic.
My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been
modified because of the research I did on scaffolding. I learned that it is not
an easy task to teach children such a specific skill. Early childhood professionals
need to have a lot of patience and consistency.
In addition, early childhood professionals need to look at each child
individually. Lastly, although something
may not be equal it is always fair for the children.
Victoria, I felt just as you are saying you had felt during the beginning of our class. I too had not had much experience in research and was a nervous wreck going into this course. I too can say that in taking the whole concept of research piece by piece was very rewarding. It has definitely given me a clearer understanding of research. I don't think I would ever want to become a researcher because of all the work that has to be conducted. This is why it takes so long for researchers to come to their conclusions. This class was definitely a challenge but well worth the challenge. I have gained a greater insight to what research is and how hard of a job researchers have in the process.
ReplyDeleteCotati
I too was very nervous about this course because I was under the assumption that we would be conducting our own research study. After the first week or so, I realized that the purpose of this course was define the various steps involved in research and teach us how to apply them in a research situation. While I feel as though I understand the major concepts behind research, I am still struggling with applying them to my own research simulation. I am glad that we were given the opportunity to participate in this course because it is teaching us skills that are likely to be directly applicable in our careers within the early childhood field.
ReplyDeleteTiffany
Hello Victoria,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that research is not something that can happen overnight. One challenge that I faced was when it came to the quantitative and qualitative design, but after getting some feedback from the instructor I begin to grasp it. Another challenge I had was when it came to understanding the vocabulary terms because the glossary and definition in the chapters was different, but after I did further research on the internet and looking at other's ideas I begin to understand it. Thanks for sharing your opinions, thoughts, and resources which will help me in the near future. I wish you the best on your academic and life journey.
Research can be difficult. I agree that professionals must be patient when it comes to early childhood education. I was finally able to work through the definitions but at first was also challenged with a complete understanding. I often second guessed myself with some of the assignments and felt that I could have done better on many. I appreciate your suggestions, responses and feedback. I wish you much success in the future courses.
ReplyDelete