Dive In!

As I dive into the unknown abyss of qualitative research, I find myself poorly equipped. Having spent years reading others’ interpretations of research has left me clinging to the surface. Each dive into primary source research papers has sent me scrambling to the surface gasping for air. With each dive, however, my stamina has increased and my vision cleared. I see this assignment as the creation of a map, plotting my journey as I navigate through the uncharted world of qualitative research uncovering its place in my world as an educator of young children. I expect my map to evolve as I meet dead-ends or make course alterations. I expect the terrain to transform according to the tools I use to explore it and the goggles I use to view it.
With a love for narrative writing, I could continue this watery metaphor and couple it with technology creating an online accessible reflective map of my journey into the murky depths of qualitative research. Each plot point a webpage link, perhaps, or a HyerStudio card stack. I imagine the reflective map must be navigatable in a non-linear way to reflect a non-linear journey. Filled with sound bites, video clips, and “captain’s log” entries, the map will chart the evolution of my knowledge and understanding of the qualitative research process through what I imagine will be constant course corrections along the way.
Before embarking on such an epic journey, I must equip myself as best I can, standing on the shoulders of the explorers who have come before. With disappointingly little literature discussing the use of reflective journals in qualitative research, it is imperative to familiarize myself with what is available. As reflective journals are often part of doctoral research, I may also wish to speak to recent doctoral graduates about their experiences with reflective journals in their research. From this research I hope to understand the components of effective reflective journals. Also, searching out an appropriate computer program compatible with available technology is essential to the success of this mission.
It is impossible to see the end of this journey, if indeed the journey comes to an end. Creating a map will ensure my understanding of where I have been in order to shape where I am going. Along the way, creating an effective reflective journal will record and influence my journey as a qualitative researcher.