When I think of research...

                After taking this course, I feel that I have gained an immense amount of insight about the incredible effort it takes to create an effective, valid, and unbiased research study.  There are many steps involved, and various routes a researcher can take during the development process alone. 

I have learned that there are many aspects of a research study that need to be taken into consideration before it begins, during the process, and during the analysis of data collected.  There are ethical considerations, equity issues, researcher biases, and many other factors that could affect the validity of our research and the repercussions it could possibly have on our participants.  I have grown to appreciate research on a new level and the dedication that it certainly takes to be able to conduct equitable research effectively. 

“Research is about uncovering and enabling the emergence of new understandings, insights and knowledge.  The best research will always involve close, ongoing collaboration between those who plan the research, those who carry it out, those who participate in it, and those for whom the results have an impact.”  (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010)  I have learned that designing research is a tedious process, if it is done correctly.  A researcher needs to be a thoughtful and patient individual who is dedicated to the improvement of the early childhood field.  I have also learned a great deal about how to develop research questions and how to remain unbiased when dealing with participants involved in the study. 

My greatest challenge was developing my research question.  I modified my question every week of this course.  After reviewing new material in our course book, I would gain new insight and change my question to include new perspectives or to make it more equitable.  At first, I was very frustrated with the constant changing of my question, but began to find that the more I read about research development and changed my point of view, the more sense my research simulation began to make. 

I feel that I have grown as an educator by experiencing the effort that is applied to research studies.  I have a stronger understanding as to how research studies are designed and how the data is used to benefit families, children, teachers, and communities involved in the early childhood field.  Early childhood professionals are loving individuals with an appreciation for young children and a passion for helping to provide them with the best possible education both in the classroom and behind the scenes. 

References:

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S. A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspectives on Theory and Practice. New York: Open University Press .