What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
In quest for knowledge and being engaged in this course, I have gained that in order to execute a valuable and authentic research; the information and resources used have to be of credible source, reliable and most of all valid. In ensuring thus, it helps in creating a positive atmosphere for the steps in the research process. Today, I am cognizant that research helps in the total execution of my roles as an educator as it gives information that is deemed to be very authentic and efficient towards making meaningful interventions for not just children that I interact with but also developing a strong and positive relationship with parents/ guardians.
Secondly, I have learned that there is a third methodological or research paradigm that can be used in executing a research that helps a research to be powerful, informative, complete and balanced (mixed method approach).
In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
My ideas of doing a research have totally changed because at first I thought research was very frustated, boring, time consuming and irrelevant. Howvever, today, I am rather elated, enthused and energized about executing a research on my own.
What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I have learned that the whole process of planning, designing and conducting research all collaborate and depend on each other for a complete a research. Therefore, all three elements have to be done timely so as to help the smooth sailing of the research process to take place and be effective.
What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
My first challenge that I encountered was writing a hypothesis. However, with the aid from looking closely at various examples given in the course resources, I was capable of overcoming such challenge. Secondly, was differentiating between a qualitative and quantitative research. Nevertheless, with reading about thus as well as viewing examples of these researches I was able to identify the differences that lied between both researches.
What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course in a number of ways. One of such is the whole matter of research is an effective process that should be used to help guid one's practice as well as the more current research that is done the better interventions can be made towards the holistic development of our children and self.
Last but not least, I want to take time out to give thanks to all of my colleagues and instructor for your support and feed backs that were given throughout this course. Indeed they were very effective towards my well being. Thanks again and all the best to you all in your other courses!!!!!!
Latoya,
ReplyDeleteI am glad to hear that the course has helped change your views about research and that you are feel more excited about the research process. Being fairly new to the course material, I think we all faced challenges throughout the course. However, I think through support from our colleagues and instructor as well as in-depth course material, we have all been able to overcome those challenges. Now that you have a better understanding of research would you ever consider becoming a part of conducting a research study?
I wish you the best of luck as you continue your educational journey!
Hi Latoya,
ReplyDeleteI also learned many new ways to approach the challenges of researching a study topic. As I reflect back on the many things that I learned through this course I found many very helpful and insightful things regarding how to effectively research a subject through gathering information, and processing all of the data into a research report. There were many concepts that I had not ever thought of regarding the procedures which go into researching a study topic.
One of my more favorite I think more valuable to me was information from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC) web site. I learned about the code of ethics of research and the core values of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, (NAEYC) 2005. This web site located at http://www.naeyc.org/research/using) was full of so much important and insightful information and I wanted to pass it along to you. I may be helpful for you as well. Here are a few of my favorite core values of the NAEYC;
•Appreciate childhood as a unique and valuable stage of the human life cycle.
•Base the work on knowledge of how children develope and learn.
•Appreciate and support the bond between the child and their family.
•Recognize that children are best understood and supported in the context of family and culture, which includes ethnicity, racial identity, economical level, family structure, language, religious and political beliefs which profoundly influence each child's development and relationship with the world.
Thank you again for being part of my learning experience by sharing your insights through the discussions and the blogging assignments.
References
Action for the Rights of children (ARC) 2001, retrieved from: http://www.unicef.org/violence/pdf/arc
Hi Latoya,
ReplyDeleteBefore taking this research competency course I thought that research was this big scary ordeal. I had not been aware of the many considerations researchers have to make at the planning stage that if overlooked will have an impact on the results of the study. Each time I read a research paper I will have a better understanding of the time and effort that was invested in the study so that we as early childhood educators can have access to more knowledge and insights about the field of early childhood. I recognize early childhood researchers as essential contributors to the sector.
Laytoya,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all thank you for always posting great insight into your thoughts of EC. I like how you said that you modified your thinking in EC through this course with the thought of offering your research to go towards interventions. Essentially that is what we are looking to do through our research, but I never put it in that perspective. Hopefully one day we can get past calling it an intervention and simply know of it as a way of developing children to become productive members of society.
Hi Latoya!
ReplyDeleteIt is great to read how far you have come in your learning about research. I have enjoyed your insightful blog and discussion posts. I wish you all the best in future courses, enjoy the learning experience!