Research shows the numerous positive effects learning in the natural environment can have on children 's health, wellbeing and development. However it is unclear as to whether there is a negative impact on social and emotional behaviour, when a lack of nature is present in the early years. Through the use of the action research cycle (MacNaughton & Hughes, 2009) this action research proposal aims to address whether there are negative effects when preschool aged children are not exposed to a lot of nature learning environment and whether there are barriers to cause this. Exploring this question allows the gathering of information which will be beneficial to both the children and educators by ensuring that we are providing children with the most
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as cited by MacNaughton and Hughes, 2000, p. 99). When reflecting upon my action research proposal I am forced to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the research plan. In order to gather information about my question I did not have a great variety of data collections methods that could be used. MacNaughton and Hughes (2008) discuss the benefits of using more than one method of data collects to help gather information. I selected observational jottings as my main data collection technique. Additionally the perspectives of staff and families were important too, which was the reasoning behind interviews. Qualitative research “sees the individual and their world” and through this method I am able to take an interpersonal approach to the study (Ary et al., 2010, pp. 29). By selecting a research question that requires data gathering mainly through observation, did not allow for many other methods creating some limitations as MacNaughton and Hughes discuss the importance of having multiple perspectives in the data (2008). I am also forced to consider that I may have limited my ability to record as much data as possible by doing it alone. I suddenly question my ability to be able to record the play experiences that other children may be participating in simulations to the experience that I am recording. I have also been forced to consider the idea that I could have opened the range of observations to more than one service and their children. I believe that I should have carried this out over a few settings in order to gather a broader range of results. I do however feel that there is adequate room for further change and the ability to carry out this study by others to receive their own beneficial
as cited by MacNaughton and Hughes, 2000, p. 99). When reflecting upon my action research proposal I am forced to consider both the strengths and weaknesses of the research plan. In order to gather information about my question I did not have a great variety of data collections methods that could be used. MacNaughton and Hughes (2008) discuss the benefits of using more than one method of data collects to help gather information. I selected observational jottings as my main data collection technique. Additionally the perspectives of staff and families were important too, which was the reasoning behind interviews. Qualitative research “sees the individual and their world” and through this method I am able to take an interpersonal approach to the study (Ary et al., 2010, pp. 29). By selecting a research question that requires data gathering mainly through observation, did not allow for many other methods creating some limitations as MacNaughton and Hughes discuss the importance of having multiple perspectives in the data (2008). I am also forced to consider that I may have limited my ability to record as much data as possible by doing it alone. I suddenly question my ability to be able to record the play experiences that other children may be participating in simulations to the experience that I am recording. I have also been forced to consider the idea that I could have opened the range of observations to more than one service and their children. I believe that I should have carried this out over a few settings in order to gather a broader range of results. I do however feel that there is adequate room for further change and the ability to carry out this study by others to receive their own beneficial