Before I answer my
four questions, I want to say to all my classmates that we made it through this
very insightful class. I would love to conduct research sooner or later. Congrats
to all and hope to hear from you all next course. I enjoyed reading all things
that each of you all wrote about for this class. Congrats again to everyone!
1. What insights have I gained from this course?
I have gained so
much from this course (6163). Before doing any research, a person must take
time to contemplate what one would want to research about and to make sure it
will render a change or provide helpful information. There are so many
individual things to consider, while performing research, so one will not
offend participants, such as being bias or stereotypical -in your thoughts. In addition,
there are many designs a researcher can choose to conduct their research or can
even choose to mix designs.
2. What lessons about planning, designing and conducting
research in early childhood did I learn?
Lessons I learned
about planning, designing and conducting research in the early childhood field
was a researcher must take their time, when planning their research. Planning “needs
to consider what it to be researched and how, when and where the research is to
take place, who will participate, what data will be collected and how these
will be analyzed” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe and Siraj-Blathford, 2010, p. 103). Choosing
a design takes time, as well. The “design process seeks to balance several
aspects, including the broad topic studied, the original ideas that underpin
investigation of it and te translation of initial thoughts into researchable
questions” (Mac Naughton, Rolfe and Siraj-Blathford, 2010, p. 104). Conducting the
study takes help from others –sometimes. I have learned that by conducting a
study, it takes time and definitely a clear path on steps that will be taken along
the entire project.
3. What were some challenges I have encountered and what
ways did I meet them?
Challenges that I encountered
was definitely dealing with the development of my research question. I know I changed
my research question several times. I was having trouble narrowing my topic. It
was always too broad. Coming up with a strong question is very necessary, because
this is what a researcher will base their whole study on by trying to answer
it. There were many other issues but this particular issue was the most
challenging for me.
4. What are some ways my perception of an early childhood
professional have been modified, as a result of this course?
My perception of an
early childhood professional has not changed much at all. I understand that we –as
educators must stand up and speak up on behalf of those who may cannot speak for
themselves. We have to advocate for children at all times. In addition, we must
continue to put the concerns of all children is very necessary. In my opinion,
as long as all educators’ main focus is for the betterment of children nothing
can go wrong –this is my perception.
Reference
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing
early childhood research: International perspectives on theory and practice
(2nd Ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill. Retrieved August 21, 2014.
