Over the past 15 weeks, the word research has developed a whole new meaning. Being able to explore different disciplines has shown me that really any kind of observation can be used as research, as long as it is warranted within the field that is pertains to. We base our research on proof, but proof and knowing within the sciences for example is defined much differently within the arts. Research within the sciences is more quantified whereas in the Arts, more qualified. This is just a general rule of thumb, and really any means of research can be justified if it has a pattern, or something new that we can take from it.
The biggest lesson that I learned from the research presented at SCREE, is that even well developed and planned research does not always guarantee an answer to the main question. It is still very valuable though, because it can help take a step in the right direction. Sometimes, it is not possible to yield results using the method that one starts with, therefore research that does not come to a clear conclusion, can just be a map used to develop more useful research in the future. This is important to keep in mind no matter how effective one believes they're research methods will be initially, because even if it does not point to the answer it is still valuable information to consider when continuing to search for a solution to a problem. All of the people that I spoke with at SCREE began with a problem that they were passionate about fixing, and depending on their discipline they put together already known research with their own to produce a sound conclusion or answer.
Going forward, my goal is to always begin earlier than I believe necessary. Over the course of this class I have revised endlessly and although my work has most definitely improved, there is always something more that can be done. This lesson applies to all of my courses, but especially my capstone because it is such a big undertaking. I am glad that we began thinking about it now, because going through this process has already made it much less daunting. If I can carry this lesson forward and continue to revise my ideas for my capstone, I believe that I will get the most out of my time and have a new base of knowledge to carry forward in my teaching career.
I really liked your remark about how research might not guarantee an answer to the main question that a researcher has. I feel like this is really important to keep in mind as we continue to go through college because there will be times that we will try to answer a question that doesn't really have an answer but will just lead to more and more research that has to be done. I also really like your goal as well! It really fits with how you're going to be a teacher someday because we always want to believe that students will accomplish more and try their best, and that there is always room for improvement. Overall, very nice insights on research!
ReplyDeleteKirsten,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything that you've stated! Research is definitely dependent upon the field that we go into, and every good researcher must be prepared to not reach the conclusion they were hoping to reach. I also agree with the idea of beginning things earlier rather than later; I'm so good at procrastinating! I believe you will achieve whatever you aspire to acheive(: