The insights have I gained about research from taking this course is that the research process involves more than medicine, religion, and psychological studies. The processes used for the selections of study are very distinguished. Psychologist and scientist have spent years studying identical inputs of information to find different/new ways to fight diseases, cure illnesses, and to control psychological circumstances. I also learned that the quantitative approaches in research are essential to the conclusion about cause and effect of theories and practices on what is to be and what really occurs. I have learned that children are referred to as objects in doing research rather than subjects.
My ideas about the nature of doing research has changed because of the deception that derive as part of the process where parents give consent for research and don’t have a clue to what is going on with their child or the research. The risk of research does not constitute or justify innocent children being part of the research and that they know nothing of what’s happening until all is said and done.
The lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood that I learned, is that planning is simply to prevent the researcher from some of the problems involved in research and to simplify what needs to be considered and the how, when and where the research will be conducted, as well as who will be the participants, what data will be collected, and how to analyze the collected data to develop design feasible for research being conducted to find answers.
Some of the challenges I encountered—and in what ways did I met them where the hidden biases I was unaware of within myself. What I did to face these biases was to first remember that this is real. I need to be able to put myself in the parent’s position and to think of my own children and that fact that this could be me. I have to keep in mind that I will be faced with many unforeseen circumstanced and positions where I will need to consider that biases of my own personal situations and circumstances cannot not affect my professional decisions..
Some of the ways my perceptions as an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course is that I don’t plan to become a researcher of early childhood studies. Although my profession will involve more than early child care and early childhood teaching, the only research I will be doing other than what is required for me to do as I pursue my Ph. D in early childhood education is none. I know I cannot allow my personal feeling to interfere with my professional position, however, I do feel I have a choice in which field of early childhood studies I have to participate in. Who knows what the future holds for me, but God.
I would like to that you Dr. Myers for introducing me to the processes of early childhood research studies. I anticipate this class guiding me in my future studies as an early childhood professional.
To my classmate/colleagues,
My hope for you is that your development in the early childhood field be enlightened as mine were from this class and the classes you encounter throughout your studies in early education. May all your future be filled with prosperous things. And most importantly “Thank You” for all you support throughout this class and those that we have already conquered together. I look forward to seeing you in others classes and most definitely in the outside world in the field of early childhood teaching and learning. May your studies lead you through journeys that will always keep you in front of the class and on top of the world. Have a great summer.
Ms. Leslie
