When I Think of Research

What insights have you gained about research from taking this course?

I have gained many insights about research while taking this class. However, what I learned most of all was how much work it takes to even get a research study started. I liked having to think about each step to improve my topic and make sure that I have covered all potential questions to ensure the research study is more successful.

In what ways have your ideas about the nature of doing research changed?

One of the ideas about the nature of doing research that has changed for me was to rethink my research question on several occasions and formulating a hypothesis. I always assumed it would be easy to find a good research question however, having to rethink my research question and modifying it to become more manageable has helped me understand the importance of being prepared.

What lessons about planning, designing, and conducting research in early childhood did you learn?

I think the biggest lesson learned was how much it can help to plan and design a research study before starting research. While conducting every step, I began to realize how many challenges a researcher has to face and how complicated a research study can become. However, with every step of planning, I become more confident in my topic.

What were some of the challenges you encountered—and in what ways did you meet them?

One of the biggest challenges that I found was finding a topic that could become condensed enough to formulate a good research question. Most research questions are too brought and defining it in a meaningful way was challenging at first. However, by planning carefully, it became easier to find a research topic that is manageable.

What are some of the ways your perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course?

I think that my perception has change because I now understand the importance of research in the field. Yet, I also understand the challenges that they come with. I think being prepared on what research entails helped me understand how to make my research more meaningful for others.

Research Around the World

1) What are some of the current international research topics? I explore the Early Childhood Australia website at http://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/. Some of the topic that I found on the website are similar questions that are commonly explored by early childhood organizations in the states. One of the topics explores how different states rate in early childhood reforms. I found this an interesting topic since I find that this seems to be an international question that is explored by many early childhood professionals. Another interesting topic was how to minimize stress during the first year of school and whether teachers often are ask to teach content but are not asked to deliver it competently. A last topic that I found interesting was that quality is more important than costs.
I think what I found most interesting about the current international research topics on the Australian website is that most of them are very similar to research topics found in the US. This showed me the importance of all them.

2) What surprising facts/insights/new ideas about early childhood did you gain from exploring this international early childhood website?
One of idea I learned from the website is how you can help children prepare for school. I like reading different tips about what parents can do to help children with the anxiety they feel before their first day of school.

3) What other noteworthy information did you find on this website?
The website had a lot of good information. I liked a piece on how to encourage exploring and discovering through the different ages. I find that teachers often teach rather than having children explore and discover on their own. I found several articles on the website that gave useful information and helped me find many different ways to teach others the importance of letting children be the little scientists they are and explore the world at their own pace.