From taking this course, I have learned how to read a research paper, what parts I can skip and what parts are going to hold the most information and where to find it. I have also learned about how research is conducted and what goes into designing a research study. It would take a great deal of planning and organization to conduct a research study! As far as my ideas about the nature of doing research, I probably have a greater interest in research and if the opportunity to do research or to be a part of a research project was presented to me, I would be more apt to become a part of it. I had mostly thought of research as quantitative when we began this class and I now know it can be very qualitative!
Lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood are many. There is a lot to think about when planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood. You have to consider who will participate, gather consent, perhaps present your research to an ethics committee, design surveys and questionaires. There are also questions about ethics whether you will used mixed methods and if your research will be a case study, take place over time or not. There is a lot to think about! When this class started, I figured we would be doing research of some type, and I was grateful that we weren't, but I still feel as though I would be better prepared to do research after having this class. Challenges were getting my research topic narrowed down and developing a hypothesis.
Before this class I had not thought of an early childhood professional as being a researcher. Now, I think that a lot of early childhood professionals are doing research daily. All the observation we do in the classroom is a form of research. I also had not thought of early childhood research as being a profession in itself, but I can see how this could be an important part of the early childhood profession.
Jodi Lynn,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that early childhood professionals are doing research daily. I guess it's just a lot easier to do when we don't know we're doing it.
Thanks for sharing and much success as you continue your education.
Wanda
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteAmongst all the information presented throughout the entire course I believe the first part of learning how to read a research paper was very useful and a skill that I will certainly take with me as I further my educational journey. I must say it was one of the skills I forgot to mention in my blog post. (By the way, thanks for the reminder). In similarities to your thoughts on the early childhood research profession I developed a great respect for those participating and conducting research as I don’t see myself leading a research study. I’m also relieved that as developing researchers the opportunity to conduct an individual research project is too far in advance to produce however if I was ever approached and offered the opportunity to participate in research to benefit children I would consider contributing. Much luck on your professional journey!
Jay
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteOne major insight I have gained from being in this master's program is how vast the field of early educaation is. After this course I can see the need for ongoing research because things are constantly changing. I was also releived that this class was not just another research project. I truly gained a deeper undertanding of it process and value. Best Wishes as you continue your career.
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for insight throughout this course. I wish you the best of luck on this journey!!
Jodi,
ReplyDeleteIt has been a joy working with you during the past few classes. You have shared some very helpful information that has helped me grow both in my personal and professional life. This class has also taught me how to write a research outline and the beneficial outcomes of it.