I want to first take
the time to thank all of my colleagues for the wonderful advice and great
information I have gained from you all.
This class has really helped us benefit to what research is all about
and as we continue further into our future, we will be able to forward this
information to others as well.
Some insights I have
gained about research from taking this course is that it is all about
uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and
knowledge (Mac
Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010, pg. 3). Research is all about improving or developing
new methods. I have also learned that
there can be challenges to researching.
When people research it is not as simple as they may think; it is
somewhat misleading how the Internet shows it to be easy. Research involves reading, understanding, and
examining fresh material. This emphasis
on a challenging task is tough for some students and families to grasp. I have gained some great knowledge on proper
websites to view. It is all about
accuracy and objectivity. With its
rising openness, the Internet has become a dynamic source for research. It is suitable to use and the information
confined is lavish. Yet, not all of
information is exact or even reliable.
As far as my thoughts
or ideas on the nature of doing research, nothing to me has really changed
because I have been doing research for a while and understand how difficult it
can be but also how valuable and important it is to find reliable sources. Being able to assess the reliability of
information is a significant ability used not only in school but work and
day-to-day life. Lessons I have learned
about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood is that
when it comes to gathering data it is important for researchers to really
brainstorm and carefully develop a plan before beginning, especially when dealing
with children. Listening to children is always useful and their views are even more important than teachers and other adults (MacNaughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010, pg. 240). The significance to listening to a child and getting them to speak out is to basically not say much at all. It is important to use small sayings that encourage and induce more exchange. This is mainly vital at the start of the process for researchers in that they need children to grasp a point where it is easy to let out any thoughtful information needed.
Some of the challenges I encountered was coming up with a solid research question and variables to my design. I have great thoughts rumbling through my mind but just could not put everything together in a correct way. I met this challenge by simply asking for guidance from our wonderful professor. I was actually heading down the wrong path but got immediate directory and was able to get my question somewhat close to where it needs to be. I am continuing to work on it for this final project we have due but I know with hard work and dedication, I will beat this challenge.
Resources
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. Chapter 1, “Research
as a Tool” (pp. 3-9).
MacNaughton, 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. Chapter 14, Interviewing young children, pg.
239-256. Chapter 18, Direct
observation, pg. 309-324.
Carlos,
ReplyDeleteIt has truly been a pleasure taking class with you once again. I wish you well on your educational journey and I appreciate your thoughtful insight regarding our class discussions.
I must say that this class has provided us all with a wealth of knowledge regarding research and research design. Most importantly, it requires a great deal of careful planning of the entire process. We must also self reflect and evaluate our own personal biases so that we can establish clear- objective views about people, culture and various subject matter prior to venturing into any research study.
Life is about living, learning and applying that which we have learned. I'm sure that you will be quite successful as you apply the concepts and principles of this course to your future work.
Many blessings!
Tracey
Carlos,
ReplyDeleteI see that we have both learned a great deal of information that we can share with others and take with us on our journey through this program and in our careers. Research is one of the most difficult topics that an early childhood professional can deal with but the information and help it provides is definitely worth the challenge. This class has basically prepared me to address the concept of research which I am well informed on the steps in the research process, ethical issues of research, and the impact it may have on the individuals involved. This class has also motivated me even more about working with children and being able to provide solutions to the problems and issues that early childhood professionals and families are facing. This has been one long journey but I have enjoyed every minute of the ride. I really enjoyed working and discussing different topics with my colleagues and wish you all the best of luck in all of your endeavors. See you in the next class Carlos!!
Hello Carlos
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure working with you this semester. Being able to interact, learn new and valuable insights, and various contributions regarding research has given me a chance to learn what it takes as a professional to ensure that all of our young children get the best learning opportunities in order to become successful and become prominent citizens of society. I wish you the best of luck in continuing your journey in the early childhood field.