Friday, August 17, 2012

Regarding Research...


When this course began, I was apprehensive to say the least. I doubted my ability and qualifications to conduct legitimate research. After weeks of study and compilation of simulation components I would love to say that I underestimated myself on many levels. Unfortunately, I don’t feel that strongly that I have reach that plateau yet! I’m not saying that I am incompetent at research; I just don’t possess that confidence yet.
On the other hand, I have gained a great deal from this course: from the basic terminology that still at times causes confusion but more often results in a deeper understanding to the subtle nuances of design that can be the determining factor between success and, well, less than valid findings. I more clearly understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative and still have a strong conviction that a mixed method would most likely be my choice, despite the topic. I am far too statistically challenged to confine myself to numbers and calculations and much too creative to rely exclusively on “chasing rabbits” to a relatively desired outcome. It will take a bit of both to create an outline that is both focused enough to be advantageous and interesting enough to hold my attention and motivation for completion.
Moreover, one of the most beneficial tidbits that I will take away from this class is that I don’t have to be a published author in a highly prestigious journal to be considered a researcher – what I do daily to ensure that the children in my care receive the most appropriate and stimulating early education that I can facilitate is, for now, my ongoing contribution to the world of research.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank each and every other member of this class for sharing your insights and perspectives as we have progressed through the course and through this program! Some of you I have also had the pleasure of working with in other courses, some of you are new acquaintances, but the shared goal of improving the lives of children keeps the conversation meaningful and the motivation high. Thank You All! 

3 comments:

  1. Laura,
    Thank you for always being there. I was happy to know that I was not alone in my anxiety about this research course. I really wondered how it would look like, but I am excited now that even though I am not yet there, I am not as I used to be. Doing research now interests me, and I have gained deeper knowledge about the importance of accurate data collection and ensuring validity of results.Really, research is essential to our work as Early Childhood professionals, it will remove guess work and biases and can provide genuine answers to questions we have always asked.
    Laura, your contributions and input contributed to my learning, I really thank you for your sincerity and support all the time. I appreciate you. Hope we can still meet in other courses, meanwhile have great break.

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  2. Laura,

    I must say that at the start I too was a bit doubtful of my abilities. I am glad that I had this opportunity to learn the tools and process into conducting a research study. I now have a better understanding of research as well as how important it is to the Early Childhood field.

    I would like to thank you for all of your feedback throughout this course, it has been a very active journey and I wish you continued success.

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  3. I am so glad that you are feeling really confident in your research abilities. This course offered great insight to research as a process and I think most of us would agree that it was really helpful to that extent. Good luck in your next class!

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