Research can impact educators,
students and parents alike in a positive manner. There is so
much to gain from research done with and about children under ethical
constraints. My sister-in-law extensively researched the impact
of extracurricular activities on students attending an alternative
high school program. Here's what she had to say about her
experience:
"In my experience, people just don't
know how meaningful extracurriculars are for children...how it makes
them feel. This is especially true for kids that ALREADY feel like
they don't belong. Honestly, I never thought I'd be "in to"
doing any kind of research in my life, until I got to experience the
whole process. Reading other's research, then trying to develop an
idea that's NOT been tested before is so challenging and rewarding.
In doing these surveys I learned a lot about what the KIDS themselves
thought and felt. It was cool!!"
Alicia,
ReplyDeleteThe research you sister-in-law did is so exciting. Do you have any insights into how she decided on this topic and how she decided on the research question? Her enthusiasm for doing research is inspiring and her ability to do a research project shows that given the right conditions, most anyone can conduct research. So much research about children uses information from sources such as scientists, teachers and parents. Getting the information directly from the children gives a depth and validity to the research results that just including adults cannot.
I think that it is great that you have the opportunity to learn from someone that is well experienced in the research area. I am sure it is a wonderful experience to be informed on the different outcomes and benefits in conducting research. Thanks for sharing.
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