Prior to taking this course my connection with research was
limited to either hearing about them or reading about them. This course has
affirmed to me that research allows for a better understanding of the chosen
topic, proves information to unknown questions, and it confirms ideas. I can
honestly say I have a new found appreciation and respect for research.
Taking this course has taught me that research consists of many
components. There were many things I found interesting about this course. For
example, I learned that ethics is a very important part of research. It is
important to obtain consent of all the participants involved, that participants
have rights and deserve to be respected and their information must be kept confidential.
Learning about the different designs was quite enlightening. This course has
taught me that research is not just about numbers, there is a process for
collecting data to make your research valid.
This course was challenging in some ways. For instance, putting
together my first research simulation was not easy. My first research
simulation lacked information and I didn’t quite understand how to complete it.
However, I didn’t give up and by my second research simulation I was able to
process my research simulation and it began to evolve.
After taking this course, it confirmed to me that research is an
important part of early childhood education. Therefore, early childhood
professionals should always refer back to research to gain more knowledge of
the field.
It was a pleasure taking this course with my colleagues. Each
one of you brought something enlightening to the table.
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.
Hi Steffanie,
ReplyDeleteGreat posting. You made some great point that writing the first research stimulation was a little challenging but it got easier by the second and third time around. Research definitely play a significant role in early childhood field. I believe without research, it would be extremely difficult to learn information of the past, present, and future in the field. I wish you the best of luck in your studies.
Steffanie, my experience with research was the same as yours, and your statement that early childhood professionals need to refer back to research is so true, and now we have the skills to be able to make more sense of existing research papers.
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