This
course has been a journey; however, I feel that I have learned many valuable
tools to help me as I continue my professional development. I have gained many insights about research
and what it means. I have learned that
research is about relationships, the relationships between the researcher,
subject, and the participants of the research.
I have learned that their interaction can have a strong influence on the
research study, which can change the research study altogether. I have also learned that research is a
process that requires careful planning, concentration, and a strong work ethic
to complete the research. Research can
bring about new ways of thinking and understanding about a particular subject
or it can be used to solve a problem.
My
beliefs about “doing research” has changed because I know that to be a
researcher you do not have to be a professional researcher to conduct
research. Many classroom teachers engage
in research to some extent or another everyday as they try to understand and
improve circumstances in their classrooms.
Research requires careful planning; however, once the process itself is
understood it can be implemented.
When
designing a research project or study one of the most challenging things is
defining and developing a workable hypothesis, which can be measured and in
some way or another tested. Doing
research in early childhood required extra attention to detail, flexibility,
and ethical consideration because usually the participants of the study are
young children. Researchers must hold their
selves and their studies to the highest standards.
In
designing and outlining my own research study, the biggest challenge I had was
narrowing down my research question to a workable hypothesis. I continually had to keep narrowing down my
topic into something specific so that I would be able to show the correct
aspect of language and social development that I was looking for.
I
believe that an early childhood professional must be someone who is willing to
meet challenges and is always searching for understanding and a way to improve
things. Research is designed to do that
to bring about awareness or understanding or to make things better.
Finally,
I would like to thank all of the early childhood professionals I have worked
with this semester for their guidance, support, and consideration. I wish everyone the best in the continuation
of their professional journey.
Joseph,
ReplyDeleteThe most challenging part of this process for me was also narrowing down my research question into a workable hypothesis. I have learned that research is not only important but that those who do this important work have many challenges and ethical responsibilities. I wish you continued success in your next course.
as well as what yo said about the Hypothesis. That was challenging as well. I think that is one thing that will stick with me now. I am trying to use that word and process with the children I teach. I guess it is never too early to learn about research.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great challenging class for me. I know I am more knowledagble than when I started. I still have much to learn.
Thank you for all your wisdom in the classroom.
I really like the point you made about not needing to be a professional researcher to do research. Often the most important research we do is the basic A&O we do daily in our classrooms. Thanks for your insights and best of luck with your future endeavors!
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