The insights I have gained about research from taking this course are:
1. Having a basic understanding the research process
2. Selecting a topic that’s not too broad and researchable
3. How to go about choosing participates for the research
4. Will the research be quantitative or qualitative?
5. Choosing the right design that will fit the research
In what ways have my ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
My understanding of how research is done has changed. I never knew so many components go into research. I have learned so much about the nature of good research and I look forward to learning how to apply what I have learned.
The lessons I have learned about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood is that it is not as easy as it seems. The thought process is hard, takes a lot of time, and revising to formulate a topic that is researchable.
Some of the challenges I encountered was the research process. I have never looked at research the way it was explained in this course. It language used was different for me. With Dr. Davis guiding me and reading my colleagues post, especially Stephanie throughout this course I understand how research is done and the right questions to ask.
This course has been a real challenge for me, but a great learning experience. I have enjoyed the discussion with my colleagues and the comments from Dr. Davis. I wish everyone success in their other courses. I hope to be able to share with you again.
Tonetta Bogard- Marion
Reference:
Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., Siraj-Blatchford, I, (2010). Doing Early Childhood Research
Tonetta,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment. I read research regarding early childhood more often than I thought but now, after this course it will be like reading it with new eyes. I do have an enlightened respect for the total process. Before, I would just read the data not knowing what it took to get the results. My best analogy to research is it's like having a baby. People see an infant and say "Oh how beautiful". They don't realize what time, pain and sacrifices it took to get that baby here. I could go deeper but I hope you get my drift. Good luck in our next class.
Tonetta-
ReplyDeleteI also learned that there are lots of components that go into a good research project. The language of research was also difficult to me. It would take me reading things a couple of times and flipping back and forth between the book and my research charts. But we survived.