- What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
The insights that I have gained about research from taking this course are that I have learned how to read research articles. For instance I have learned to pick out the very important parts and not concentrate so much on the statistical piece. I’ve learned the difference between research questions and hypothesis. I’ve learned a lot about the research designs qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method.
- In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
When I first started this class as soon as I saw the words research I was a little unhappy. To me I felt research was boring and that all I ever was concerned about were the results that came out of it. I can say that after going through the course research has become more interesting to me. Especially when we learned about validity, and dependent and independent variables.
- What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
I learned that planning prevents problems and that research design is a matter of planning. Designing was interesting because I did not know that there were so many different ways that you could design your research.
- What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
The only challenges that I encountered were having to read parts of chapters over and over to get a clearer understanding. Research at times is so high leveled, and big worded (if that’s a word) I had to really focus to understand specific concepts.
- What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?
I learned that as an early childhood professional it is more than just taking care of kids. Through research we find out what works best for children.
I would like to take this time to thank my colleagues for their support throughout this course… till we meet again!!
Jamie, I also was concerned about taking this class- and for pretty much the same reasons. I learned a lot, though, and am able to greater understand the value of research because of it.I think we have both learned that research is an important component of ECE.
ReplyDeleteHi Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not alone. I read some of those chapters over and over too. I also learned a lot. I have a new appreciation for the work that goes into research!
Good luck!
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI also was not aware that there were so many different ways to design research. I think that I dreaded the class too as soon as I saw "Research", lol. But you are right, after a few weeks it was not what I had perceive the class to be. Perhaps this is one of life's lessons, everything is not what it seems.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Jennifer
Jamie,
ReplyDeleteI also had to reread chapters to make sure that I understood what I was reading. I can relate to the unhappy feeling when I first say the word research in the title of this course. I do have to say after eight weeks, that anxiety I felt about research has been swept away.
Good Luck in future classes.