When I think of Research....

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

Throughout this course I have realized that research is very essential to early childhood education. There are several steps that contribute to research, which in turn provide valid data and information. I have learned that research takes patience, attention to detail, and an overall interest in what you are researching. 

 

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

In the beginning of this course I didn't expect to gain much interest from the study of research, but I must say that with the help and guidance of the professor, as well as my peers I have gained so much knowledge on the subject. I have a more open mind about research and though tedious, it is not boring if you are researching a topic of true interest.

 

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

Simplifying Topic Selection: This is very important because my topic was initially too broad and the professor assisted me with narrowing it down. I am grateful for this because I would have been all over the place and driven myself crazy.

Research design is also important because after I chose a topic, I had to determine how I would go about exploring the topic. I had to consider the “who”, “when”, and “where”. Next I had to figure out how I would collect data, what was going to work out and what wasn’t going to work out.

Conducting research was not as bad as I thought it would be because I had a plan and design, so that simplified the process a bit for me.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

Pinpointing a topic isn't as easy as it sounds. It took me a while to come up with the topic I chose. After reading up on selecting a topic and with the help of my Professor, I was able to narrow it down to what I thought was perfect for my research.

 

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

My perceptions have not changed. I have always valued the importance of early childhood research and evidence based practice. It is so vital to our field and the children we serve.

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