As this Walden University course in Building Research Competencies comes to an end, I realize that I have gained a plethora of knowledge about research. I learned how to read a research study without feeling overwhelmed. I learned that there are certain parts of the study that are more important to read than others. While I will always struggle with trying to read the vast amount of data results in a research study, I am grateful that I can turn to the discussion and conclusion sections of the study report to find out what it all really means without having to figure it out myself. I also realize that while there are many different things to think about regarding designing a research study, that this course has certainly introduced me to doing research, and how it can apply to our everyday lives. One thing I learned the most about these last eight weeks was about data triangulation- making sure there are multiple methods, multiple data sources, multiple researchers or multiple theories applied to interpreting the data, all to ensure that the data is complete and as detailed as possible, as well as ensuring that the data is valid and can be applied outside the realm of the study itself. I was challenged when designing my research simulation about how to ensure my data met the above criteria for triangulation, and was able to figure it out with the help of the resources Dr. Todd provided as well as by consulting our text. Ensuring my simulation also met equity considerations was also a challenge, and I hope my design has enough of these qualities to ensure it is as equitable(as described as justice and fairness) as possible. As an early childhood professional, I knew that keeping up with current research and implementing developmentally appropriate and current methods of teaching and learning are important for any professional. As a result of this course, I also learned that even an early childhood professional can conduct a research study on a small scale to obtain information that can help solve a problem or establish a connection between occurrences, all to improve the lives of the children and families we serve every day. I also want to take a moment to thank all of my colleagues for providing varied opinions and perspectives about the topics covered in this course, and showing me how to look at things differently. It is always better to examine an issue from more than one perspective, to gain the most information and make an informed decision. Thank you colleagues, and I hope that I see you again in future courses! Best of luck to you all!
Saturday, June 28, 2014
When I think of Research
As this Walden University course in Building Research Competencies comes to an end, I realize that I have gained a plethora of knowledge about research. I learned how to read a research study without feeling overwhelmed. I learned that there are certain parts of the study that are more important to read than others. While I will always struggle with trying to read the vast amount of data results in a research study, I am grateful that I can turn to the discussion and conclusion sections of the study report to find out what it all really means without having to figure it out myself. I also realize that while there are many different things to think about regarding designing a research study, that this course has certainly introduced me to doing research, and how it can apply to our everyday lives. One thing I learned the most about these last eight weeks was about data triangulation- making sure there are multiple methods, multiple data sources, multiple researchers or multiple theories applied to interpreting the data, all to ensure that the data is complete and as detailed as possible, as well as ensuring that the data is valid and can be applied outside the realm of the study itself. I was challenged when designing my research simulation about how to ensure my data met the above criteria for triangulation, and was able to figure it out with the help of the resources Dr. Todd provided as well as by consulting our text. Ensuring my simulation also met equity considerations was also a challenge, and I hope my design has enough of these qualities to ensure it is as equitable(as described as justice and fairness) as possible. As an early childhood professional, I knew that keeping up with current research and implementing developmentally appropriate and current methods of teaching and learning are important for any professional. As a result of this course, I also learned that even an early childhood professional can conduct a research study on a small scale to obtain information that can help solve a problem or establish a connection between occurrences, all to improve the lives of the children and families we serve every day. I also want to take a moment to thank all of my colleagues for providing varied opinions and perspectives about the topics covered in this course, and showing me how to look at things differently. It is always better to examine an issue from more than one perspective, to gain the most information and make an informed decision. Thank you colleagues, and I hope that I see you again in future courses! Best of luck to you all!
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Celeste,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your synopsis of your journey of research! I have to admit that I was quite relieved to learn that it is not necessary to read a research report in its entirety, because I never ever did prior to this course. I would read what I considered the "important" parts, skipping the analytical jargon that I wouldn't understand if I tried! I found this course to be as challenging as I anticipated, but I also leave with a greater knowledgebase pertaining to research. Thank you so much for your hard work and input throughout this course, and I wish you well as you continue your journey. :)
Pamela
Celeste,
ReplyDeleteIt was refreshing to read your blog on this week. You provided some useful information to help me as a professional in the field of early childhood. You also enjoyed learning about triangulation; that was my favorite part of this course. We have all learned how to become better researchers and now we have the tools to succeed in future research efforts. Research can be challenging in many ways, I now realize that you know how important research is in our field of study. In the field of early childhood, our roles are diverse and it is imperative to know how to find appropriate articles and journals to meet the needs of all children and families. This is how we stay up to date on research and new ideas. I am glad we had this opportunity to get to know each other. Have a great week.
Lah-Lah