My Personal Research Journey
As I pondered what topic to use in designing
my research simulation, I tried to think of something that was related to my
work so whatever the end result of the project is, it would be useful. I am very interested in social and emotional
development in children as it relates to school readiness. I decided I would investigate the
effectiveness of a new curriculum we have implemented in our Head Start program
that teaches social and emotional skills. The curriculum is called PATHS which is an acronym
for Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies. I have mounds of data related to
the children’s progress in this area since the assessment tool we use to
monitor children’s progress has a section that specifically measures this
domain so it seemed like a good idea. I
must be honest; at this point I’m not sure I’m on the right track. I’m
concerned that what I am considering may be too broad. I am most definitely a
novice in terms of understanding the process of conducting research and I am finding
it daunting! As I started the research
chart, I began to get a better understanding of at least some of the
terms. Knowing if I’m traveling in the
right direction on this journey remains to be seen. Is anyone else feeling like this? I would appreciate feedback and any
suggestions that might help point me in the right direction. So
far, the road I’ve taken for my research journey seems a bit bumpy
Judi,
ReplyDeleteEach new research journey starts off bumpy, yes, I am feeling the same way. I am researching how early childhood teacher choose professional development and I am working to refine my topic to ensure success in the end results. My suggestions are to remain with your topic for a little while longer. I have found that as I delve deeper into a topic, I find what I am looking for in a refined subject.
Good luck.
Hi Judi,
ReplyDeleteI think your topic is interesting and meaningful. In fact, our topics are very similar. I am also thinking my may be too broad. Even though I narrowed it down, I may need to do it once again. It seems you are going to rely on some of your assessment results to aid in researching your topic, and my topic is HOW to administer formal assessments. I am thinking now maybe I should narrow the topic into one specific section. Your post definitely added insight to my research topic. Thank you!!!
HI Judi,
ReplyDeleteI know we do not have the same professor for this course, but I always find your blogs informative. I am thinking the same thing about my research subtopic. It is my hopes that once the professor grades application 1 part 2 and reads the blog assignments, that they will give suggestions and advice in getting started. I always find it difficult getting starting in any assignment or even projects in the classroom, but once started things flow wonderfully.
I am interested in the social emotional PATH curriculum. At our Head Start we use Second Step for our social emotional curriculum. Have you heard of it before? My son's school also uses second step in the elementary school. If you would like more information about it, feel free to let me know. Take care,
Amanda
Oh, we had our federal review finally last week!!!!