Saturday, May 17, 2014

My Personal Research Journey

The topic I have chosen for my research simulation is teacher strategies that are useful for maintaining high quality preschool or prekindergarten classrooms. I have chosen this as my simulation because I currently serve as a teacher for pre-kindergarten at Fort Worth ISD in Fort Worth, Texas. I work with children that would be considered at-risk and would love to learn new insights about maintaining a high quality classroom. As a teacher I endure a lot of situations that may be behavioral concerns, learning disabilities, children in temporary living situations, and other situations that affect the many children I serve.  I figure researching this topic will help me become well-rounded and become a better educator for the children and their families.  From constructing the research chart, I learned how to better analysis a research article. Also I am starting to learn more about certain terms used with research. I feel that “A Practical Guide to Reading Research Articles” and the course book have been instrumental in the process of becoming better at understanding research terms and how to become competent in doing research. If any colleagues have any advice or further resources to help with my topic, feel free to comment. Thanks in advance!

Resources that have been helpful:

Lepuschitz, J.K. (2011). A practical guide to reading research articles. Laureate Education Inc., Baltimore, MD. 
 Doing Early Childhood Research: International Perspectives on Theory and PracticeAppendix 1, “Getting Our Terms Right”  Mac Naughton, G., Rolfe, S.A., & Siraj-Blatchford, I. (2010). Doing early childhood research: International perspectives on theory
and practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.

2 comments:

  1. Tierra,
    I think your research topic is fantastic and I love the reasoning behind it. I wish more teachers were like you and looking to constantly better themselves as teachers. I can't wait to read what you find so I can use the information when I am working with teachers. The teachers I work with get caught up in doing the same thing and teaching the same way all the time. It is hard for them to break that habit. We have made Creative Curriculum mandatory for our NC Pre K teachers. They are still struggling with how to develop lesson plans and activities that are in the children's interest and not thematic. If I find any resources, I will be sure to share them with you!
    Myra

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  2. Hi Tierra
    I also feel your topic is one that can benefit all teachers as well. Any time we can better our self for the reasons you shared in your post gets a thumb-up from me. Enjoy and share the vast amount of knowledge I am sure you will obtain. I will be glad to share any resources I find with you.

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