Final Reflections on Research

Early childhood research has had a major impact on the field.  Much of what I have done professionally for the past 7 years has be related-directly and indirectly- to early childhood research.  I have learned so much about research in this course that it is hard to know where to begin.  Research is an area that I have been involved in and used on a regular basis, yet I really knew very little about the topic.  While I will probably never be totally comfortable with research, as a result of this course, I feel more confident about using and being involved in research. I now feel like I have a better understanding of the factors involved in the research process and about how to analyze research.  I also have a much greater appreciation for researchers and for all of the components that they take into consideration when conducing research.  While it was challenging at times, creating our own research study was great way to apply what was being learned.  One of the most important things that I learned from this class was about the different types of research and how this impacts the entire research process.  Because of this class, I will be much more cognizant of the type of research approach used in research studies that I use.  This class also gave me the chance to reflect on the research in which I have been that involved.  I now have a greater appreciation for those who conduct early childhood research and for those families, children and early childhood professionals who agree to be part of research studies.  I strongly believe that research has had a major impact on the field of early childhood and has the power to continue to move the field forward. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank each of you for making this class so interesting, exciting and meaningful due to the information you shared and and your feedback and support.  It was comforting to know that there were others who were worried about taking this class.  

I also want to take this opportunity to thank each of you who I have had the great pleasure of getting to know during the past 5 classes.  I have learned so much from each of you and have the utmost respect for the work that you are doing.  Unfortunately,  the program that I am working for is closing at the end of July.  Because of the uncertainty about my employment, I will be taking a leave of absence from the Master's program at Walden.  I hope that this will be a brief leave and that I will meet some of you in future classes.  Good luck to each of you!