·
What insights have you gained
about research from taking this course?
By taking this course, I have
gained insight that research is incredibly important for the field of early
childhood education. Research provides us with power to effect change. Research
is something that as educators we do on a small scale, every day. We determine
what best practice is at each specific moment in our day. We determine what a
child needs and how to give that to them. I was terrified about this course! I
thought I could not possibly understand research, read research or feel
confident enough to attempt to simulate research. BUT as the course progressed,
I have gained confidence in my ability to do all of these things. I have
questions, I can get answers!
·
In what ways have your ideas
about the nature of doing research changed?
Again, I was terrified, but I
my thoughts and ideas about conducting research have changed throughout this
course. I do not believe that I am experienced enough to take on a research study
by any means, but I am more confident in the steps.
·
What lessons about planning,
designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
The biggest thing I have
learned about planning, designing and conducting research is to be organized
and talk to other people. We all have people in our lives who are willing to
verbally process with us, offer advice and expertise and help us through the
process. Finding out what other people are saying about a topic helped me to
gain confidence as I am finding that other, more educated, more experienced
people have the same thoughts as I do concerning certain issues.
· What were some of the
challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
Honestly the biggest challenges
I have faced are confidence and the vocabulary that comes along with research.
At times it felt I was looking up more words than I actually knew! I bookmarked
the glossary in the text book and took the time to look up anything I wasn’t
sure I knew the definition of. Confidence in this area has just come with time
and from feedback from Dr. Todd and all of you. Thank you thank you thank you
for interacting with me, verbally processing with me and helping me to clarify
my thoughts.
·
What are some of the ways your
perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result
of this course?
My perceptions of an early childhood professional have
been modified to include research as a vital part of the field and my job as a
professional.
Again, thank you all for your support and
encouragement throughout this course. I wish you all well!
