BLOG #3 9/16/2018

This week’s readings have really helped calm some of my nerves about how I am going to decide on a question. I’m glad that the process is a more an organic one rather and a scientific procedure. Knowing that it is ‘okay’ to change the wording of my essential question as I learn more about the topic is reassuring. I was a bit afraid that I would not be able find anything valuable from my first classroom research because of a potentially poor question. The whole idea of switching or adjusting the language of your research questions makes sense. I liked the example of Michelle in  the Falk and Blumenreich reading, her question started off as, “How do I deal with parents who are in denial of the children's’ special needs?” (27). The question admittedly comes from a place of frustration, after reading and researching more about she decided to change her question and perspective. The new reshaped question was, “How can I work together with parents of special needs children to support them.”(27) You can tell from the new choice of words and language that her research on the topic had changed the why she felt. I think that acknowledging that she changed her perspective from frustration to seeking ways to work collaboratively with parents is a great for her classroom, teaching, and students.

Comments

  1. UnknownSeptember 17, 2018 at 7:54 AM

    Leah,

    That is wonderful that you are feeling more comfortable with being able to adapt, diverge from, and otherwise change your research question. It certainly takes some pressure off! I actually think that the scientific procedure of every hypothesis being tested and revised numerous times before reaching theory status IS "organic." It grows and develops naturally through trial and error, steps forward and backward. I have taken many life decisions, for example: which college to go to, with the approach that I could always detour and make a mid-course direction if needed. My difficulty is usually picking someplace to start. Any advice?

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  2. UnknownSeptember 25, 2018 at 11:34 AM

    I definitely felt more relaxed as well in creating my questions. I do not believe they are perfect but I think I am hovering around it. I think you are experiencing the same feelings, and I believe this is where we are supposed to be right now.

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