Reflection

I quite enjoyed reading Watt’s discussion on the importance of reflection in the qualitative research. While she discusses why reflection is a matter in the qualitative research, she also portrays us her own reflection process and presents how writing a reflective journal help her to communicate with her self.

In general, by communication, we mean talking, listening, writing, demonstrating, watching, drawing and so on. Communication refers to participating in social interaction, listening others and sharing thoughts with them. Reflection is a kind of communication, a way of talking with our selves, and revealing our inner feelings. Since reflection occurs when we consciously think about our beliefs, understanding and experiences. It includes turning ideas over in our head and our thinking about what we are doing and why we are doing.

In our previous classroom meetings, we discussed   the place of subjectivity in the qualitative research.  Researchers’ positions, personal and professional stances and their previous life experiences influence their entire research process starting from selecting the research topic to data interpretation. The quotation in the article that “ Good research questions spring from a researchers values, passions and preoccupations”  (p. 84) underlines the connection between researchers and their research topics. As a matter of fact that Watt articulates why she selected to study on homeschooling. Her personal belief including each child is a unique learner who has individualized learning process influenced her decision to research home education.

This blog is my reflection site.  As journal writing, it allows me not only reflect on what I learn, what I do but also communicate with myself and with others. Today, I found myself thinking and evaluating the influence of my previous life and my future desires on my current research.  I am currently working on a research project exploring teachers’ well- being.  Watt’s article inspired me to find my own reason for conducting this  research. I have first examined my own reasons why I want to research about teachers. As a former teacher, and a doctoral student in Curriculum Studies I am aware of the fact that there is a growing increase in teachers’ attrition rate. According to statistics, 46% of teachers are leaving teaching in their first five years in the US. The fact of teacher attrition is not specific to the US; rather it is an international concern. Numerous countries deal with teacher shortage. Previous research argue the increase in teacher attrition   has been attributed to poor work related- well-being. High level of stress, burnout, heavy workload and   demands inherent in teaching are among the factors influencing teachers’ attrition. I have believed that this topic is worth studying. Finding my own reasons for conducting a research exploring teachers’ well being enables me to reaffirm my passion and commitment to teacher education.