Moving
along my educational goals with Walden University, the next 7 weeks will cover
my research journey. Although I am a
little apprehensive in the beginning, I feel sure that I will be fine, as I
have been all along. I have excellent
support through my peers, professor, and other Walden staff so here goes.
Jumping
into the text, we were given an assignment to complete a research chart, which
we will be adding to every week as we work through the text book. Through the research chart, I was able to
narrow “the research process” down into ways in which I could understand it
better and make it more personal. The
first section was for key terms. The
terms I defined dealt with collecting and analyzing data. Sampling, validity, and reliability are all
key terms in ensuring that the research data collected is accurate and will
provide sustainable data for the research being done. The next section involved highlighting a
topic from the text. The topic I chose
was design research. Through this, I
learned that research can follow a plan that you map out from the beginning but
it can also deviate depending on the approach you use. The final section of the chart was for
reflection. I chose to talk about the
step of the research process that I thought would be the most difficult for
me. I get overwhelmed when I am faced
with a large task, especially when there is a lot of information to read and
look through. Because of this, I felt
like formulating a research issue or question would be my hardest task.
So far
in this class, I have chosen a broad research topic then I broke that down into
three subtopics. This week, I was asked
to decide which of the three subtopics I wanted to focus my simulations over
the next 7 weeks. For the remainder of
this course, I am going to research the topic of play therapy. I chose this topic because I have been hearing
a lot about it from parents of children I teach as well as my daughters’ doctor
who suggested play therapy for their ADHD.
I look forward to learning more about this topic and would love for you
to share your experiences with play therapy if you have any!
Hello Melinda,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, I have to admit that it appears that we all are a little nervous about this course. For the record, the instructor is great and is willing to do what evert it takes to ensure that we understand what is being asked so we can do our best. She is also available when we need her assistance. Also, your peers are here with you every step of the way. We surly need each other. If there is something that I can assist you with, please do not hesitate. I will do the same if I need your help.
The chart assignment is very helpful. By resting what the definitions means ensure that I understand what I read. It is funny that you chose the difficult task. I chose the step that I would enjoy the most. That was for me formulating the topic and researching to find the appropriate literature. All of the others are a challenge to me.
I d believe that after this course we all will be more knowledgeable on doing early childhood research.
Play therapy sounds very interesting. However, I never really had much dealing with the topic. If I can assist you in any way let me know. I am more than willing to help search for articles of quality after this week. :)
Good luck!
Hi Melinda,
ReplyDeleteDon't worry, we are all here to support you!
This play therapy sounds quite intereting. I am a big fan of alternative methods of treating ADHD. Many of the students who recieve services from my job have ADHD. While medication may have its benefits, I have always been interested in the differences between when a child is medicated and not. One student in particular is a bouncy, excited child without medication, and sleepy, quiet and 'mousy' when she is on it. Which would you prefer to be?
I look forward to hearing more about your journey.
Melinda I am very nervous also about the research, but I think that we all will do very well with each other help. I think that play therapy is good for all children because play is a developmental milestone for young children. I want to learn more about play therapy for the children that I go into the home and teach.
ReplyDeleteMelinda,
ReplyDeleteI, too, was overwhelmed in the beginning, but after reading through the text, I now have a better understanding of the research process. It is still slightly daunting, but I believe I will be okay.
I am doing my simulation on play, but focusing on how it affects children's language/literacy development. I am sure we will be able to learn lots from each other during our research. Good luck!
Melinda
ReplyDeleteI was very nervous about this class also, because I think that research is one of my weakest things, and that I need to make sure I stay on top of everything. This is a very busy time for me, but we will get through this and have another course under our belt. Good Luck
We have amazing peers and professors. It was wonderful having to know new terms and having to put definitions in your own words. This allow me to understand what the terms mean. Don't be nervous about the class you will do fine. We are all in to win it.
ReplyDeleteGood Luck