As I have mentioned in previous blog posts, I am not confident in making decisions as a researcher. However, I am gaining confidence. This semester, I have two courses where I am actually designing research, which is helping me to better understand the process. Last week in dissertation prep, I was reminded that with qualitative research you don’t try to predict the results. It is more of an investigation into a topic to uncover information and gain a better understanding of a situation. I keep thinking I need some sort of end product with my research, which has created a mental block in preparing for my dissertation. This week’s review of the Qualitative Research Framework was what I needed this week to get out of my head and start really thinking about my dissertation methodology.
I have not started writing my methodology yet. One reason I haven’t started yet was fear! However, my peer review partner sent me her methodology rough draft, and I realized that I don’t have to have everything figured out at this point. Instead, I just need a general idea of my process with research to back it up. After working with my peer review partner and talking to my professor, I am ready to tackle the methodology section of my dissertation. I am hoping to complete it in the next couple of days, so that I can share with my peer review partner. I value her feedback, and I know she will help me to make corrections as needed.
Going forward with my work, I am eager to figure out how I can contribute to education reform and promote change to better meet the needs of students and teachers. I know a great deal about why the changes need to be made, but I am not sure what is being done at the various levels to actual move the needle forward. In addition, I would like to learn more about qualitative research methods such as focus groups, Delphi study, and action research. Other questions I have are:
- What other research methods are available that we don’t really discuss in our classes?
- What is the process for recruitment (panels, experts, study sites) and when do we recruit (before or after IRB)?
I am grateful that I am taking dissertation prep this semester, even though I am not finishing my coursework until the fall. Even though I could rush and finish this summer, as I originally planned, I am thankful for the extra time to build a stronger foundation of understanding related to research. The courses I have this semester along with the courses I will take in the fall will strengthen my portfolio and my CV, which will help when I am looking for jobs in the future. I believe that my current and future research will make an impact on education, and the stronger my body of work, the more likely that is to happen.
