What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
I learned not to panic!! The more that I kept reading the course material, the more my research started to fall into place. So now I have the confidence that with researching as long as I keep looking for valuable information the easier the process becomes.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
When I would think of research I thought that my desk would be covered in papers, open books everywhere with highlighted sections. Research is more manageable than what I had originally thought. When you find the right information things just start to fall into place.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I think that it was beneficial to do background searches on the research topic that you are conducting. Having the insight and information that has been previously conducted on the research that you are wanting to conduct is very helpful. It gives you ideas of how to conduct your research, and can even perused you in a different way to conduct your research. It can offer a different perspective about important topics that might have been previously overlooked.
What were some challenges you encountered- and in what ways did you meet them?
I was difficult going through certain chapters in the book, and relating it to my research topic. There were just different research techniques that made it challenging to try and figure out how it would relate to my research topic. As long as I continued to do the work, and not give up, it was manageable.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
It has made me more aware of the vast abilities of an early childhood professional. I think as educators in the field we take on a lot of responsibilities that we aren't even aware of. No matter where we go in our journey as teachers we take on a role of a researcher, observer, a specialist and so much more. As an early childhood professional we are multitasking talented individuals!
Jessica, I have enjoyed reading your blog and discussion posts as we explored issues related to research in the early childhood field. It sounds as though you have grown professionally through our course work. Like you, I also found the literature review to be very helpful in learning about the topic of my research study. It was also valuable for my work in the field, so this part of the course proved to be doubly beneficial. And not panicking is a good mantra, for most things in life, so I thought that was a great way to start your blog entry! Wishing you all the best as you continue on with your studies and your important work in early childhood education. -Susan
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your insights. I agree that some of the chapters were difficult and the techniques were a challenge. I feel like we have really grown in understanding of the complexities of doing research!
I wish you the best as you discover your place in the early childhood field and I hope to see you again.
Sincerely,
Maria
Thanks for sharing your post through the blogs and the discussion boards; they have been very insightful. I too found it difficult to related my research topic to those designs used in our text book. Doing the background research on our topics did help with organizing everything else. I think it made us think about what we were researching and what type of direction that we may want to go in.
ReplyDeleteI was a bit panicked when we started this course also Jessica and it was difficult at times but I have learned so much about conducting research and am no longer afraid of the concepts. I think my deepest learning has been that the organization of my research simulation has brought all of the course material together. I believe my simulation is doable and I may try to replicate in my work. Thanks for sharing and good luck on your continued journey in ECE.
ReplyDeleteLisa Muprhy
Hey Jessica,
ReplyDeleteAs always you know I love reading your blog post. I always feel that you are direct and explain things in a more understanding way. As I was reading the chapters all I kept saying to myself is man its a lot to do a research study. I salute you for NOT GIVING UP! I think a few weeks I threw in the towel and said better luck next time but than I looked at my tuition bill and said keep pushing Lynette. I feel for me this class made think outside of the box. I wasn't accustom to doing research and it was something that I had to literally had to learn from the beginning. Much blessings in your upcoming semesters and look forward to sharing and reading more blog entries with you.