Some insights I have gained from taking this course are how
to think critically and how to analyze research papers. My ideas about the nature of doing research have changed because
I now realize how time-consuming and exhausting research can be. But I recognize that the process is necessary,
especially if your purpose is to help contribute to the field of early childhood.
I have learned many lessons about planning, designing, and
conducting research in early childhood.
The first step in conducting research involves developing a topic. But, if you have to solve a problem, then a
specific question has to be formed. Then,
the method approach used will have to be determined. Next, data has to be collected and evaluated. Finally, conclusions can be arrived at.
Some challenges I encountered were understanding some of the
research terms and definitions used in our text. I think I met them by using context clues and
trying to figure out the word’s meanings from the other words and sentences
surrounding the terms. Some of the ways my
perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result
of this course is that I am conscious of how doing early childhood research can
benefit children and save lives.
Lolita, your insights about research confirm my own experience. I too have found it to be an incredibly arduous process. As you pointed out, the contributions of research in the early childhood field are so important. Research-based practice is the backbone of our service to children in families, and here in New Jersey, our early childhood programs are often models for the nation. The importance of research is global in scope too, as we have also learned in our coursework. It sounds as though we have both grown professionally and learned a great deal about the research process over the past eight weeks. I wish you all the best in your work with young children as we go forward! -Susan
ReplyDeleteHi Lolita,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and I also discovered that the terms and definitions were challenging. As we moved through this course I found myself gaining a real respect and admiration for those experienced researchers in the early childhood field. Several weeks ago I attended the NAEYC conference and participated in some workshops given by those who have written research articles. I had a new respect for their contributions and I had a lot of questions too! I am so excited to see where this journey has brought us over the last 8 weeks!
I wish you the best as you discover your place in the early child field and I hope to see you again!
Maria
I agree with you on getting the definitions of the terms correct. I would often forget that there was a word for what I was trying to get out. I think more time spent with a variety of these words would have been beneficial. It was hard for me to work them into my vocabulary, just because they are not words that I use with 3 year olds. :) Congrats learning how to figure it out to work best for you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your thoughtful post Lolita. I also found the course content related to analyzing research and data very helpful and this has been very useful in my current work. The course has given me such depth of understanding topics related to research and the research word or topic definitions are a perfect example for me. I was familiar with many of the terms but had never considered them in depth and this exercise really helped me in my understanding of research. Good luck on your continued journey in ECE.
ReplyDeleteLisa Murphy
Hi Lolita,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. Just like yourself I did find the terms challenging. When doing the Application 1 I would use the text definition, dictionary.com, and the glossary in the back of the book. For me, I think the major problem was understanding how the term was used in the text. I really was able to understand the terms from dictionary.com because the term was used several times in sentences. I have enjoyed your post as well as your discussions and I look forward to seeing you in the next class.