When I think of research....

·         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!