When I think of research....

The insights I have gain from this course...

The insignts I have gained about research is that there are many different steps during the research study.  Before taking this course I never realized how much time it takes and all the resourcs that are used to accomplish the research project.  I also did not realize how many different types of research studies there are and how many different ways to collect data for the research study.

The ideas I have about doing research have changed....

The main idea that I had about research prior to this course was that the Internet had so many credible resources for my research topic but after taking this course I have the knowledge to interpret different websites and only collect credible and valid data for my research study.

The lessons I learned about planning, designing, and conducting research in Early Childhood....

When I decided what type of design I would use in my research study I was extremely overwhelmed because I was having such a hard time deciding what my research stimulation question was.  After I finally narrowed my topic and was ready to decide what design I would be using in my stimulation. In Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford (2010) stated Design involves the process of:
1. refining the topic and framing research able questions ('what will be researched)
2. Deciding among the alternative approaches to the research ( 'how' the research will be undertaken)
3. Considering issues related to time, place and persons ('when', 'where', and who')
4.Choosing methods of data collection and analysis
5. Evaluating the feasibility and practical constraints on the design
6. Modifying the design in the light of pilot testing (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, & Siraj-Blatchford, 2010)."
I also learned that all three steps are equally important in the research process.

The challenges that I faced during my research process and in what ways did I meet them....

The main challenge I faced during my research project was the research question and topic.  I had a very difficult time narrowing my research topic.  I overcame it by reading every ones discussions, blogs and asking questions to help me understand the topic of the week.  I also read all the comments that Ms. Kien gave me throughout the class.

My perceptions of an early childhood professional have been modified as a result of this course....

My perception has changed because now I feel 150% more confident in the program that I am implementing in my school and that there is credible and valid research done on children who learn from play and how it benefits them in later years.  Research gives our industry the resources it needs to improve our schools, curriculum, licensing standards and the policies for children to give them a better life.


Refernce

Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research:     I International perspectives on theory and practice (2^nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.