When I think of research...

EDUC-6163- My Reflection

I first want to thank all of my colleagues: my classmates and Prof. Myers. Everyone has helped development my knowledge in conducting research in early childhood. I was anxious about starting this course and that did not cease as the course went on. This subject is a complicated subject that requires exceptional dedication and commitment. While at times this was difficult for me, mainly due to personal reasons, I found my way through the course! 

The main insights that I gained from this course was the main basis of research.  The types of research designs were a big piece for me: qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. The mixed methods approach seems the most likely design for my research simulation. My research question was: Will children have a better chance for school success by being in an early childhood environment that fosters social play versus an academic setting?

There were many lessons and challenges that I came across throughout the course. I learned about the importance of designing effective and efficient research designs and outlines before proceeding with the study. Not only do researchers need to focus on the study but maintaining equity, reliability, feasibility, validity, and ethical throughout the research process. Each of these can be a challenge when working with many groups of children, families and other professionals. I learned that with each challenge, you can effectively face the challenge when you keep an open mind, open communication, and remain true to your morals, beliefs, and right from wrong. I know that this is not as simple as it sounds, but it is possible! This much I have learned!

My ideas about research have definitely changed since the course!  I feel much more comfortable about the ideas of research. I do not, by any means, feel like I understand all the terminology, but I do feel that I could possibly conduct a research study myself comfortably! I believe this was a goal of the course to empower educators and administrators to see the possibilities of conducting research ourselves!  This is exciting to think about making steps to helping change the field of early childhood education for the better.