Looking back on this course I feel I have gained a wealth of knowledge regarding the steps to design a research. I was unaware of different types of research designs like qualitative, quantitative, and quasi-experimental. I truly thought there was only one type. I have gained insights in to just how much must be taking into consideration prior to ever conducting a study, mainly the ethical issues and how to go about the study while addressing those issues.
Some of the challenges I encountered was mainly with myself. I was so nervous about this course. Honestly, my nerves almost got the best of me and led me to taking a class off because I thought it would just be too much to handle. That challenge was met by simply taking it one step at a time, and just "toughing it out." Another challenge I faced was the way in which the test was written. Some how it was not an easy read for me at all, but I just had to read over things more then once and use outside resources to help as well.
This course has made me more aware of what all goes into the early childhood profession. Many of use read numerous studies and articles almost weekly. Actually getting the chance to step in the shoes of a researcher, I am more aware of what goes into conducting a research, and just how many different researches has helped us get to where we are today in the profession. It also helped me realize that even though I am a classroom teacher, I use many of the steps of research such as interviews ( of course I call it introduction with parents at the beginning of the year), anecdotal records, and checklists. I currently utilize a checklist on a daily basis for some of my students struggling with certain behaviors.
Good Luck to all of you in your next course!!
Jo,great post, and again we have completed another course together. I hope to hear from you in our next class. I also feel that this class, has opened my eyes about the facts, and understanding behind this field.
ReplyDeleteJo,
ReplyDeleteI agree, this course has made me more aware of what goes into the early childhood profession and has encouraged me to use various forms of assessments such as anecdotal records, checklists, and ect...
And YES Jo, I found this course to be challenging but it has pushed me to question the validity of many web sites and has allowed me to dig deeper when conducting research and to have an open mind so that my personal biases are set aside.
Nicky
Jo Ann: I find it fascinating how our perceptions change as we gain experience and knowledge. In the beginning of the course, I was very intimated by the course. I perceived that I would do very poorly in the course because I was afraid of research and the implications that research implies. Now my perception of the course has completely changed. The course was not difficult; if I was dedicated to doing my best, I excelled in all my accomplishments. Best wishes to you in the future.
ReplyDeleteHey Jo!
ReplyDeleteWe have completed another course and we are a few courses short of obtaining our Master’s Degree in Early Childhood. The research course has been an amazing experience for me! I hope the same can be said for you. I had no idea that the discipline of research would be so complex, and to think, I would like to pursue an actual degree in this discipline. I have to admit that I am somewhat scared; I am hoping that the research process will not kill me Lol… if the Masters course is this intense, can you imagine the stress of the Doctor’s program? Right now I am too afraid to think about it, let me end by saying congratulations on completing the course!!!
Warmly,
Alice Jones
Jo, I too gained a lot from this course and was ablt to come out of this class with a more knowledge than when I fist started out in this class. This was a difficult class for me but I have to admitt that I have come out with more knowledge than when I started out.
ReplyDeleteHi Jo,
ReplyDeleteI was a little apprehensive about this class. After all the discussion with our colleagues and the reading material I'm feeling a little bit better about research. The process was laid out in our text in a way that I could understand and not feel so worried about doing my own research in the future. I have gainedd valuable lessons in the field of early childhood from this course! Good Luck on the next class!
JoAnn, we made it!!!! At first, I was nervous, but the more I began to learn about the research process, I also learned that I liked research and now have a genuine interest in research. I also learned that research consists of more than simply stating you are researching and going forward. It consists of selecting a design, defining your population and participants, and your method for collecting data. I also learned that there are also ethical issues that must be weighed and considered. In short, research is a lot of work.
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