When I Think of Research
It seems like I have come a long way from being the girl who was afraid of the research course that was beginning. As the weeks progressed however, I started to become more confident. I still find research to be a daunting task, but now, I feel like I can do it.
One insight I have realized during this course is that conducting research is not just for those who have have finished their Masters or PhDs or for those who are highly intelligent, academic and mathematically inclined individuals. Research can also be done by novice teachers too. Another insight I have gained is that being a researcher entails great responsibility. We have responsibilities towards the participants, the beneficiaries, our society, the field and ourselves. Integrity is highly essential in research.
How I view the nature of doing research changed too. I never really looked at equity in research. It was only in this course that I got to see that sometimes we look at certain groups, approaches, practices and beliefs as substandard as compared to those we heard, know, believe in and practice. Now, research does not seem to be as one-sided as I used to view it; research deals with relationships, a two-way street.
A lesson that truly came alive for me with regards to planning, designing and conducting research in early childhood is that about having children as participants. It was great to learn that we now place such respect and value for children that we are now to include children in research. That we have to ask for their permission and consent personally as well as orient them about the whole study. I think this practice empowers children and makes them play a more active role in their own development and learning. Another lesson I found important with regards to conducting research is the importance of making a time-frame. We should be aware of the amount of time necessary for each stage of the research process and adjust accordingly.
Research is not without any challenges. I personally had difficulty trying to really decide if I wanted to do a qualitative or quantitative research. I was torn. I originally planned to do a qualitative research design for my research simulation. However, when the time came that we were asked to try to tweak or topic a bit to make it possible for a quantitative research as an exercise, I saw that it was also very workable, if not more so. This then started my confusion.
With regards to my perception of an early childhood professional and how it changed as a result of this course, I have just a simple modification. I have always heard that an early childhood professional has conducting research as a responsibility and task to be done for it is part of the code of ethical conduct (NAEYC). But through this course, I was able to see that an early childhood professional needs to be well-rounded. Along with the cognitive abilities of conducting research, the professional should be able relate well with participants, other researchers, and colleagues and do the physical activities that are needed for the research. They also have to be emotionally able to do self- assessment, determine own biases and refrain from letting own emotions get in the way of research. S/he has to be a person of integrity.
This course has been a challenging yet enlightening experience. I truly thank my dear professor, Dr. Davis, and of course my colleagues for helping me throughout this course. Your inputs, comments, questions and suggestions have helped me greatly. Again, thank you all.
posted by Elizabeth King Santos @ 7:13 AM
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