Reflections and Good-byes

Firstly I would like to thank Dr Todd for all the very constructive comments and support throughout this course.  I have been in the middle of immigrating from Indonesia to Holland and it was not always easy keeping up to date with my work.  Thanks to the support and encouragement for my fellow students and Dr Todd, I was have been able to successfully complete this course and learn many new things.  I will be taking a 8 week break after this as I start my new job teaching at an International school in Holland and settling my 3 young sons into their new life here. Hope to meet up with some of you again in future courses.

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

Research was not something that came naturally to me.  I was not aware of the process at all.  I have learnt a tremendous amount from this course and with the correct steps I feel confident to conduct research that is meaningful, valid and accurate.  I have become more aware of the validity and equity within research since studying the course materials.

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

I now have a far wider understanding of the research process and also understand that from an educators perspective I have the right to refuse participation and also on behalf of any learners in my care.  I feel far more confident conducting research and also being a part of any research studies.  I have learned to not feel intimidated by researchers as I have the knowledge to support and aid quality research (Mac Naughton, Rolfe, &Sirj-Blatchford, 2010).

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

I have learned that research has a systematic process and by following these steps one can be sure of a well planned and executed research study.  Validity and equity are both important factors within research and by sticking to the guidelines one can ensure both these factors.  Throughout the process researchers need to pay attention to the ethics of the research and abide strictly to steps in place in order to remain objective and produce a study with validity.

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

When I first started the course I found the new terms and concepts very challenging.  I found it difficult to narrow my research idea down to more specific.  It was a challenge to grasp the different types of research designs but after enough reading and working with examples I managed to get a good idea of it all.

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

I have always held early childhood professionals in the highest regards and feel that it is a very special vocation that one chooses to follow.  I have even more respect now after seeing the position that they hold and with their knowledge the difference that they make through research in the lives of children.

References:

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