Looking back throughout this course I learned a lot of things about research. Quite honestly, I didn't know whole lot about researching at the start. Yes, I have written research papers before, but nothing from a study point-of-view. I realized that there are many different ways you can conduct a research study, and that it is important that you make your study valid. If you data/study isn't valid, then the information you discovered will not be accurate or usable. You also have to take into account the safety of the participants and if what you are trying to prove is really worth it for the children and putting them through the study.
My views of about research changed in a couple of ways. First, I realize that conducting a study is a lot more working than I ever imagine. I know in high school we created a hypothesis, tested, and recorded you findings. However, a real research study is far more than that. I realized that you have to have the data and research on why you are conducting the study, find participates and get their consent, and conduct the study. I also realized that you have to leave your personal bias behind, and it can't be brought into the study. My view about research changed but for the better. I realized the more detailed we are now, the more valid our study will be, the information could make a difference for our children and future children.
One challenge I encountered while working on my research stimulation was how can I ensure that my results remain valid. When talking about different kindergarten programs, you are obviously going to have different teachers teaching the classes. So my challenge was how do I ensure that the teacher and their teaching styles don't hind the study in anyways? I decided that I would allow the teachers to use different teaching styles, but I would have to have some control over them to ensure that isn't factor that affects the results.
After taking this course, my perception on early childhood professionals has been modified to that fact that early childhood professionals aren't just teachers. They are professionals that truly care about our children, and thus conduct research projects to help advocate for our children. I realized that early childhood professionals one goal is helping our children succeed and if that means we conduct research studies to learning and gain better information that will help our children succeed, then that's what we will we. I realize that researching and conducting studies is just one way an early childhood professional can contribute and help the field of early childhood.
Hi Abby,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to hear that you have learned that early childcare professionals are more than just teachers. There is so much in this field. We are advocates, teachers, parents, leaders, dependents and educators.
I would like to thank you for your class support this semester. I believe as professionals the sky is the limit and with a support team we can accomplish anything. Good luck to you and the rest of your courses. I may see you in the next one.
Abby, I, too, have a new respect for those who do research within our field of study. I admit I've always felt that teachers were the most important professionals in early childhood because we are the ones working with the children. I see now that I wouldn't be implementing ideas without the research that goes behind them. Thank you for all your support and encouragement during this course. I really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteWe have come a long way in learning how to conduct a proper or should I say effective research study. I have a new found respect for researchers. There is a lot of time, effort, and energy that goes into preparing the study, conducting the study, and make sure the study is valid.
Thanks for sharing your views throughout your blogs. Enjoy and hopefully I'll hear from you in future courses.
Abby,
ReplyDeleteI truly enjoyed your post. What stood out to me about research was as you stated, "my perception on early childhood professionals has been modified to that fact that early childhood professionals aren't just teachers." I found this to be sooo true, especially, finding evidence and validity to support your research project, which deepens your appreciation and dedication for that area of study. Great post.