RESEARCH REFLECTION

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

Going forward I feel that I will be able to better understand and utilize research journals in my professional growth.  I do not feel that it is nearly as intimidating to read through research after learning how to get to the meat of the articles (what to read and what to skip).  It was valuable to learn how to skim through articles to find ones that suit your topic.  

• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

Working through my own research simulation I realized that it could be something that I would be able to do.  Research is a way to answer questions that we still have about early childhood.  I liked the flexibility that research design has allowing for big and small projects.  As teachers I feel that we apply the elements of research in our own classrooms every time we question our own practices in order to make changes that better suit the learning and well being of our students.

• What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

The most important thing I learned about research in early childhood is how best to work with child participants.  I have always thought about participants more as subjects before taking this course and working through my own simulation.  I learned how much more valuable, insightful, and reliable the research results can be when children are respected, valued, and included in the whole process.  I learned so much about acquiring assent from children and assuring them that they have a choice in whether they want to participate.  In child interviews or observations it is important not to lead a child into specific answers or results, but ask questions that you do not know the answers to.  Children are so easily manipulated that it is so important to follow their lead in order to get genuine answers to the questions your research leads you to. 

• What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

I think the biggest challenge I had in the simulation was my research topic.  It was too broad at first, and then it changed to something that I wasn't really confident in my understanding.  I started with the question of "how does play influence the development of executive function."  After we studied qualitative design I feel that I successfully narrowed down a topic that I could not only work with, but it had relevancy to my teaching experience; I was honestly interested in my final research question, "how do learning environments (learning areas and activities) affect impulse control in preschoolers (3-4 year old)?"  The other challenge that I would foresee is staying interested in my topic.  I was relieved to have developed a topic that I could see myself remaining interested in.

• What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

I have always felt the one of the main qualities of being a professional in this field would include staying abreast of current issues and trends in this field.  I would say now that being a professional should include reflecting on the current information out there and asking questions that still need answers, and then finding the answers. 

I am very grateful for the foundation I have built in this course in research.  I would like to say a special thank you to Dr. Ferrari for the support and guidance in my research simulation.  It was quite a journey.  Thank you to all of my colleagues that went through this journey with me.  It was very helpful to read your thoughts, insights, questions, and your own struggles.  You never know, we might find ourselves working on a research project together someday!