When I think of research

When I think of research

 

When I was pursuing my bachelor degree I had to take an introduction to research class. At that time, just the word “research,” in my opinion, was boring enough and by the time I complete the course, I was sure it was boring, and not to mention that was extremely hard for me to grasp. I did receive a decent grade, but I told myself that I would never (if I could help it) take any more courses that involved research. Well as the old saying goes “the rest is history.” However taking “Building Research Competencies,” and how the course was instructed gave me a whole new and positive outlook on research.  I may not receive the grade  that I am hoping for, but I can truly say without any regrets that I have learned more(which in book is much more important than the highest mark) about how to conduct a research paper than I had anticipated

        In fact, I actually have come to respect and love research. So much so that I now plan to make research a part of my early childhood career. I know I still have a great deal more to learn but at least I am no longer petrified at the prospect of conducting a research project/paper.   

 

The lesson that I learned and will always hold dear to my heart is that I can do a research paper as long as I stay focus and take little steps at a time. In the area of what I have learned about research and early childhood is that like everything else when dealing with early childhood, it is very important for the researcher to respect the rights of children, their families, and the families’ beliefs and values.  I also believe that as educators pursuing the field of early childhood it is our solely duty to only want to protect and serve the rights of our young children.  It is also very important for us as educators to help instill others who are involved with young children with the same attitude. Lastly but certainly not least, It is also our responsibility to look for and provide  the proper educational tools(data)  that will only enhance the developing process of a young child’s total wellbeing well on into their adulthood (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010, 182-83).  

For me, I believe that my biggest challenges were and perhaps still are learning how not to become overly sensitive. That is to say that when I believe there is an injustice I need to exercise more of my professional side and a little less of my personal side. Another thing that I find challenging is being able to 100% understand the differences between qualitative and quantitative research, that is just when I think I am understanding the differences I review a piece of article or information concerning the two and  as a result I get the feeling of being uncertain to say the least. 

I would like to take the time to thank all of my colleagues, in reviewing your post, and in you viewing mine. The responses from you all  was very insightful as well as helpful. I hope that I was able to provide some insight to you all as well. 

 

                                             Reference

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford (2010). Doing early