Wow! I must say that this class has really flown
buy quickly, I have enjoyed every minute of the class. I have learned a lot about research studies
that I did not know previously. In fact I had no idea what all was entailed in
compiling a research study. The thought
of doing research made me very nervous in the beginning of this class, however,
with Dr. Todd’s help, the readings and the feedback of my classmates, I have
truly learned a lot and I am no longer as nervous as I was about doing research.
A second topic that was very interesting to me in regards to research was the
fact that children should be provided with the opportunity to give assent
before participating in a research study.
I was always under the belief that until a child was 18 the parents were
able to make the decision for their children
This class has helped me to understand that a
lot of planning goes into designing and conducting research. Researchers have so many options and
protocols to follow in order to properly carry out a research study. I have also
gained a better understanding as to why a research study is conducted for a
lengthy period of time and why they are always looking for so many participants
to participate in a study. Finding many
participants will help ensure they have enough participants if some choose to
drop out of the study, as they are free to drop out at any time.
When I think of the challenges that I
encountered I would have to say it was understanding all the different types of
designs and choosing the right design for my study. Once, I chose the right design the study
seemed to come together nicely, however, I must say once again that the
feedback that I was given by Dr. Todd was very beneficial in helping me to have
a better understanding of completing a research study.
As a professional in the early childhood field,
this class has helped to see the amount of time and work that goes into
conducting a research study. I also understand that research is needed in order
to ensure that the field is staying up to date on the best practices for the
children, however, I want to continue to make a difference in the lives of
children by working with them on a daily basis. Unfortunately, I do not want to
fill the shoes of a researcher but I wouldn’t mind participating in early
childhood research studies in the future.
I would like to take a minute to thank Dr. Todd
and all of my classmates for the valuable feedback that each of you have shared
with me over the last eight weeks. I
hope to work with all of you again in the future and I wish all of you the
best!
Randee
Randee,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you learned so much through this research course, I agree that I do not believe I would follow in the steps of a researcher, however, as early childhood professionals, I feel as though we have always had the foundation of the research process through observations, and the anecdotals we take daily. Good luck to you!
I agree the challenges for educators are ongoing in order to help develop and enhance skills that will give young children the opportunities of real learning. Therefore, it is essential to ensure communication with parents as a partnership. Additional planning can be helpful for parents to supporting the effects of their child’s learning.
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