Tracy: When I think of research...

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

When I think of research...

My biggest insight was that research is hard!!! This was a very interesting class for me. I think the biggest thing was that it made me use a part of my brain that I haven't used in quite a while, if ever. Thinking as a researcher and trying to comprehend the terms was a very difficult challenge for me. It is safe to say that it is still an on-going challenge. I really enjoyed Dr. Ferrari's comments, guidance and suggestions but this was one course that I felt would have been better to take in a classroom. I really needed verbal feedback to help me comprehend this type of material.

Having said that, I look forward to conducting more research projects in the future around topics that will benefit my career and community. Even though it is challenging I still find it very interesting and want to get a better grasp of the terms and how to fine tune my research skills. My perceptions have changed in that there is a lot that has been done in the field of early childhood that makes it what it is today. I appreciate what the the researchers in this field have accomplished to educate us on best practices for preschool children.

I learned that in planning a research project you have to be very specific on the topic of your study. It is very easy to get sidetracked and to loose focus. I learned that research projects also take time and a usually a team of people to complete a study. I also learned that some research projects have many concerns that need to be addressed especially that of confidentiality. Research can be a lengthy process and a solid commitment is needed by all participants or a back up plan is a good idea.

I have enjoyed this class very much. Many of the people in this classroom I have not had in class before and it was nice to "meet" new people, even though I miss the people I usually have in class. Thank you to everyone who posted on my discussion questions and my blog. Hope everyone has a super holiday. See you next year!!

3 comments:

wandaDecember 21, 2011 at 9:28 PM
Tracy,
I'm glad to hear that you have learned some valuable tips to help you with future research. Thanks for sharing throughout the class. Good luck in the future!
ReplyDelete
Replies
Aretha MathawsDecember 22, 2011 at 6:51 AM
Tracey I am right there with you this was very challenging for me and I have been very frustrated but I think face to face is going to be better for me with a class like this. I widh we did work as a team on a project like this because everyone feedback and input could have been helpful. Thanks for sharing and good luck!!!
ReplyDelete
Replies
BSAWANDecember 23, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Tracy,
I agree with all what you said.This course was a challenging course for me too, I did find the weekly application part 1 assignments hard and challenging too, but now I am so happy, because I have acquired a lot of new information about research that I never knew before. I am happy to know that you have learned quite a lot from this course. I wish you luck in your future courses and happy holidays.
ReplyDelete
Replies

Add comment

"My Connections to Play"

Two quotes:

Vygotsky - "Children use private speech in play to regulate behavior"

"Creative play is a central activity in the lives of healthy children."
Almon, K. (2002) The vital role of play in early childhood
education. Gateways, 43.

My family, especially my mom, was very supportive of play. She recognized its importance. My sister and I loved to play with our friends. She would take us to the community pool and parks and we would play all day. When we got a little older we got a trampoline and jumped on it for much of the day. We had a playroom above our garage in Tennessee and we played there for many hours even though it got very hot at times. My sister and I loved to play with dolls. My mom always said she would be my best friend and as we got older did not encourage many outside friendships. I think that hurt our social skills a little. Now we talk every once in a while, have very different lives and see each other about 2-3 times per year. Even though we are still very close and had many years of play as children, we have drifted apart. My dad was really good at playing with us also. He took us on our boat all the time and encouraged more of the rough and tumble type of play. Both my mom and taught us to be resourceful and take care of ourselves, almost to a fault.

As I attempt to write my blog assignement I feel play has changed a great deal since when we were younger. We would go all day without seeing the inside of our house and find things to play with. All three of my boys are sitting around my table asking me questions and saying they are bored. I live about 2 blocks from one of the most beautiful lakes and beaches in the country and 1 block from an elementary school playground. There are children all over this neighborhood to play with and they are asking me what they can do. Where have I gone wrong in this scenario? They have come to rely on me as their "social director" and I have probably enabled that. Play is very different. I am going to cancel cable and hide the playstation and nintendo ds's for the summer. My kids are older and possibly beyond help. I hope that young children will be pulled away from the computers, tv and other electronic devices. I hope they will be in a safe place to be able to venture out and make friends. Parents need to be more confident in their childrens ability and need to become independent players. I think sometimes parents protect their children and don't let them make mistakes at an early age.

I have included pictures of my boys below at the beach. This is what we love to do these days. This was on a spring break vacation. My youngest sons favorite toy was a palm branch he found the first day. Again, an item from nature that I didn't have to purchase that entertained him. Nice!!