When I think of Research.....

Blog Assignment: When I Think of Research...
As you conclude your studies of research, take time to reflect on the experience:

• What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?
• In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?
• What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?
• What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?
• What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

From the first time I saw the title of this course listed in the course guide for the master's program I was dreading it. I have never enjoyed the research process and assumed it would be even worse at the elevated graduate level. After only a few weeks into the course that dread faded away. The greatest gain for me is the ability to read research and break it down into it's components. I can more readily glean information from a research article whereas previously much of the language and design was foreign and seemed convoluted. My ideas about the nature of research has changed. Previously I found many of the steps to seem unnecesary or redundant, now that I have experience creating my own similation and reading the work of other researchers I have a greater appreciation and understanding for the process. One of the major lesson that I have learned about planning and designing research is that it mimics the writing process in that it requires multiple edits and revisions to pinpoint the specific variables you wish to study and to focus your guiding questions. I was challenged with the discussion questions that kick started the new topic for the week. I found that early in the week I had a tough time wrapping my mind around a new topic and understanding it well enough to articulate a response. I found it extremely helpful to read the posts of my classmates to help me gain clarity. My perception of an early childhood professional has been modified as a result of this course. I now feel empowered to seek out research and read the results first hand rather than wait for a third party source to share the information with me free of jargon.


I would like to thank my classmates who took this journey with me. In the beginning many of us stated our concerns and fears regarding this coursework. I hope that you all found it to be a fresh way to explore and understand the research process with just the right amount of challenge. I hope that you feel the same sense of pride in having accomplished the goal of completing this course!