Reflections On The Research Experience:
- t insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
I have learned that there is a lot more to research than I ever fathomed. I learned that there are so many forms of methodologies to consider and so many different aspects of ethics to take into consideration. The insight that I've gained is that when it comes to research the spectrum is much greater than I anticipated.
- In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed dramatically. Now I know that when considering a research project that its important to (in my opinion) not have such a broad spectrum. To commit to a study which has a reasonable hypothesis that can be reached. And if at all possible engage in one that doesn't have so many extraneous variables that can effect the outcomes.
- What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I learned that planning well is key. I learned that the design of a study in the early childhood field does depend greatly on conducting the research. What I mean is, when you design a study you should design one that can be conducted in a reasonable amount of time. When you design a study in the EC field, it's important to conduct some partial investigations first and see if it's a good study to implement. So the lessons I learned about planning, designing and conducting research is to take your time and do everything as precise as you can.
- What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
One of the biggest challenges I encountered was finding opposing arguments for my study. I assumed it had been done before because of a couple of articles I've read in the past. But since I couldn't find the articles to reference, I wasn't even sure if they were credible resources. I overcame that by making sure each and every website I encountered from there after were credible and had many sources to back up the information it referenced. I never want to be put in that predicament again!
- What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
Well one of the biggest ways my perceptions of an EC professional has been modified as a result of this course is that by being in this field there is A WHOLE LOT MORE than meets the eye. You aren't just a teacher or an EC administrator; you are everything and you need to know just about everything you can pertaining to this field to be one of the greats. You need to be a nurturer, a teacher, a guide, a researcher and everything else in between if you want to make a difference in a child's life. And not just that child's life by the life of that child's family as well!!!
But most importantly I learned that it's great to have a great support team! And I would like to thank my classmates who were my support throughout this course. You all were there to challenge my way of thinking so that I was able to come up with better answers, and supported my ideas when I was unsure. So I would like to take the time out to give you all a very special thank you! So I want to say thank you: Sauda, Deborah, Tanisha, Julie and most importantly thank you Dr.Myers!
