Saturday, August 18, 2012

When I think of Research...


What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
Through this course I have learned many things about the steps to conduct research. It has been a great tool to learn better ways of discovering new research methods and how to go about finding information for topics. I think from this course, I will be able to look at research differently and appreciate it more.

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

My ideas and knowledge of how to research properly have changed dramatically. I used to dread having to do research for papers and simulations because I did not know the proper tools in which to do the research. After learning about what to look for in titles, accreditations and the author’s bio, it has become much easier to find accurate research that will help my studies.

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

When I first started this class, I had no idea what needed to be done to conduct a research study. After learning each of the steps and the process it takes to conduct a well thought of and viable study, I am more intrigued to see what makes people want to do these studies. I have also come to appreciate the hard work these people have done to provide this new valuable information.

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

Some of the challenges I was met with were trying to break my research into smaller increments. I typically am a very straight forward thinker and automatically go to the end result. With doing this research simulation project, I have discovered that it is best to stay brief and then eliminate outside matter to get to the point of the study.

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

From this course, I have a new want to look at the latest research projects that are happening in order to keep up with what is being discovered about young children and how they develop. 

3 comments:

  1. I enjoyed reading your post. Thanks for sharing. Like you I too have learned so much about the proper methods to use based of the type of study at hand; however, I must admit that I still dread the ideal of me completing research. I feel that you have to truly have a passion for research to really enjoy the process just like teaching. I have gained a greater appreciation of research and even more for the researchers that work so hard to conduct the study and ensure that they are validated;additional, I realized how their efforts have helped me in my 25 years of teaching.

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  2. You are so right Stephanie; you do get hocked on research after this class, especially about your chosen topic. Even though we are nearing the end, I still download and print research papers about my topic just to see what has been written and I intend to follow up. Thank you for your support and good luck on the rest of your journey.

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  3. Hello Stephanie,
    I also have a greater appreciation for early childhood researchers. There are many steps and things to consider. Equity is a very daunting concept to achieve throughout the entire research process. Our class and colleagues have shown me many techniques to learn how to be an early childhood researcher. I look forward to learning more and perfecting the techniques needed to conduct accurate research. Good fortune on your future endeavors.

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