Before
this class, when I thought about research, I thought about long hours reading
countless documents, conducting experiments, long hours analyzing the data from
the experiments, and finally bringing it all together in a report about 10+
pages long! Whew! After eight weeks of learning about research, my previous
thoughts about it were…right! However, this time, I do not look at the process
as being so daunting.
Thanks to this class, I have learned
how to conduct a research study step-by-step. I have learned about the
different types of research; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed method. I
have learned about the different ways to collect data; surveys, interviews,
observation, etc. Most importantly, in my opinion, I have learned how to keep
my research valid, through a process known as triangulation. If my research is
not valid, what is the point?
Research in the early childhood field
is important because there is so much we do not know about children. With the
world changing daily, the behaviors and temperaments of children are changing
too. The theories that used to hold true
in the past are now becoming obsolete. It is crucial that current and future
researchers narrow their studies enough to find out whatever they can about
children in order to help them have successful futures, because they are our
future.
I did not experience many notable
challenges during this course regarding the workload or information. I did
however, experience health challenges throughout the course that prevented me
from completing a few assignments in a timely manner. Thankfully, our professor
was very understanding.
I would like to thank Professor Kien
and the rest of my colleagues for allowing me to learn and grow with you during
this course. Your posts and feedback have helped me learn more about research
in the early childhood field. I wish you much success in your future classes
and careers in the education field. Be blessed and continue to be a blessing to
others.
