I have so many great, new insights about the field of research from this course because frankly, I had none before. I never really learned anything about early childhood research or any research for that matter when I first did my undergrad studies back in the late 1990’s. I have learned that research in the field of early childhood education is absolutely essential in order for us to continue to make strides to learning. Not only do we need to continue to conduct research that has never been done before, but I think it is very essential that we look at past research and revise and re-do where we see fit. Children change, learning changes, teachers change, research needs to change.
I was absolutely terrified when I saw the title of this course. Because I have never been introduced to authentic research before I thought for sure I was doomed. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I loved conducting my research simulation and I honestly would love the opportunity to implement it someday. Prior to this class, to me the nature of research was sitting in a room taking a few notes, finding some articles to back up my beliefs or topic, etc and call it a day. I couldn’t have been more wrong about that either. Research is about passion, knowledge, working hard, gaining new insights, making predictions, gathering evidence and data, and sharing your new learning with the world.
I would have to say, even though I did not actually conduct my research in reality, the biggest lesson that I learned about planning, designing, and conducting research in the early childhood field is that you absolutely have to be flexible. You have to be flexible because plans are going to change or fall through, children are going to be uncooperative when you need them the most, your design may not work out in real life as well as it looked on paper, and conducting it is really going to be hard work. Any time you are going to be working with children or teachers, flexibility is a MUST!!!
The biggest challenge that I had during this course and writing my research simulation was myself! I kept questioning my own opinions, my own knowledge and learning, and not giving myself enough credit that I was capable of doing this. As I mentioned above, I was terrified when I started this class but when all is said and done, it absolutely has been my favorite class by far. This is my 5th of the program. I met the challenge of myself by using all of the feedback and constructive criticism that was provided to me and used it to my advantage. Thank you to Dr Parrish and all of my classmates who provided me with feedback each week and whom I learned so much from!!! It was a great course. I hope that I actually will get an opportunity to conduct my research someday!
ecepassion 