I am now taking a research class. I really don't know how I feel about it. At first I was intimidated and looking forward to it. Now that I have had a chance to get my feet wet; I am less intimidated, still not excited yet. I have though decided on a research topic. It is one that I am very excited to learn more about and enlighten others on too. The subject is on ADHD. I want to better understand children with ADHD and how we as educators can help them succeed.
When I first was told I had to have a subject to research, there was nothing that immediately jumped out at me. Not until I later read a post by a fellow student did I then realize I wanted to learn more on ADHD. I have a child who has ADHD and have struggled for teachers who generally want to help her succeed and do so. I have experienced that saying and doing are very different things. I also feel that they may have wanted to but did not really know how to. What works for one child may not work for another; I mean strategies. Well, the process of narrowing down the subject to subtopics has been challenging for me. I want to do it exactly the way the teacher/professor wants, and I seem to be struggling with that too. Unfortunately, this process is not easy for me. I have too much freedom. I am a person who needs you to tell things. After all, I grew up in the military environment and am still heavily involved as military spouse. Where some may like the freedom, I find it overwhelming. However, just like all things in my life, I will accept the challenge and move forward. I do like the learning process. Even though I may not like it, I am learning things outside my comfort level meaning this will give me opportunities to grow. I believe that the first step moving forward is to change my perception of this whole thing. I need to look at it more positively instead of so negatively. From today, I will make that pact; only positive thoughts about this research. After all, in the end I will have learnt something new that will help me, my child, and my colleagues.
As I learned how to understand research articles, I found it helpful. Using the chart was also helpful to breakdown an article and then go back and see exactly what it was saying in a way that I could understand. In the end, it was helpful.
From your perspectives, do you have any advice for me? How is your process going? I can use all the help and advice I can get.
TIA
Lisa,
ReplyDeleteYour honesty is humbling. I know that you will flourish in this course, even if you feel completely overwhelmed. You have picked a topic that is very personal and from all your experiences and the ones you will read about, you will be able to generate a great conversation around your subtopic. My biggest advice Lisa is to use the Walden library to help find articles that match what you are looking for. I have had the most success when I keep my search to the point and use four words or less. If you are struggling finding an article that matches what you are looking for, feel free to email me at holly.borle@waldenu.edu
This is such a great topic to research. There are so many different opinions and ideas on this subject. I have had parents in my center that have medicated their children for this and others that are completely opposed to medicating for ADHD.
ReplyDeleteHere is an article I found that might be helpful.
www.parenting.com/gallery/activities-for-kids-with-adhd
Good Luck
Terra
Although I have taken a research class I was intimidated as well, because of the other research class I took. After reading the material and looking over what we will be doing I felt very much relieved it won't be what I had to endure in my other class. Not that I didn't learn anything it was just very time consuming with everything else going on in life. I am interested to see where you go with your topic. I feel as through many children are diagnosed too young with ADHD. My daughter seems like a child who has ADHD because she has so much energy and all over the place, but she is a three year old excited to explore the world. I would love to find out what age is appropriate to diagnose a child and the best way to treat them without overloading their body with medication at a young age.
ReplyDeleteWith my experience in the other research class, make sure you read all the material given and follow the professors instructions. Feedback from peers is great. Because we are all on the same journey it is great to see where others struggle and strive and to feed off of that.