What insights have you gained about research from taking this
course?
I have gained many insights about the
research. I learned about the different
designs, approaches, data collection methods, issues and considerations when it
comes to planning and conducting research. Being able to create my own Research
Simulation was very beneficial to me as it let me apply concepts as I learned
them to a topic I was interested in.
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research
changed?
My ideas about the nature of doing research
were confirmed. I knew it was not as
easy as it seemed and I always recognized its importance in the field of early
childhood. We rely on research to guide
our work with young children and families and I see that to keep being
successful in our aid research must continue.
It must be an ongoing project that changes with the current environment
of the early childhood field. For
example, right now a topic of relevance is early childhood programs and the
ways in how the government supports them.
Another topic is immigration, specifically immigrant children and all of
the subtopics that are included.
Research has given us the insights we value and use now and it will
continue to do so with every related issue in the early childhood field.
What lessons about planning,
designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I
learned more about the intricacies of planning, designing, and conducting research. I realized that the two most important parts
of the research is the research itself and the children. By the research I mean that the research has
to be true to its purpose. It is to
report findings based on evidence that was collected in an honest and equitable
way. By the children I mean that in this
particular field we are working with the most vulnerable population and one
must be always keep that in mind when doing this important work.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways
did you meet them?
Challenges I encountered were understanding scientific
concepts. I have never been able to
fully grasp science and the scientific method and processes, I am more of a
visual and artistic person and writing and English were always my stronger
subjects. What I found helped me the
most was to read my colleagues’ blogs.
Once I read clarifications on things I was confused about and saw how
they responded I was able to post my thoughts.
Another challenge I had was sticking to my research topic. As the course progressed I started doubting
my initial idea and thought about changing it a few times to something that
could be more experimental and could be tested.
I am glad I did not change my topic because it helped me learn more
about variables and how they do not have to be measurable to gain some
numerical evidence, they can be qualitative and give more insights in some
ways.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood
professional have been modified as a result of this course?
I would like to thank everyone in this course for your
insights. I would have to say that this has been the toughest course for me so
far and I think a lot of it has to do with its scientific roots. What helped me was reading your posts to gain
clarification on topics. I wish you all
success as you continue.
