Research is indefinable.
It is such a vague word encompassing a world of possibilities and rabbit holes.
The research paper in the spring semester was a comprehensive understanding of what was expected, however this summer was the first time I was doing field-abroad research, which was daunting at the start.
I still don’t know if I’m doing it right or if there is even a right way, however learning how to research has been just as important as the research notes I’ve been posting.
I’ve learned first to be observant of how things can tie together even if it would not be assumed possible at first. As we attended a variety of lectures from inter-disciplinary sources in three countries, I took thorough notes of each not only to keep track, but to also log any potential connections that were unexpected.
Which reminds me, notes are the first and foremost essential key to research. When taking notes, always write down the questions that pop, because I always forgot them or they were an open door for side research after the lecture.
Tying things together demands a keen and adaptable observance and a fine sense of how to read between the lines of messages, context and actions.
After all of the notes and questions and connections, reflection is essential. It’s also ideal to reflect as soon after as possible, because even notes can become senseless in time. Questions could be answered in the fresh reflection also.
Reflecting and writing are my research building blocks. Until I solidify some aspect from what I learned in a holistic piece, I feel jumbled and scattered as if the puzzle has exploded out of the box, and it’s hard to piece a puzzle together without finding initial fits.
One of many advice bits Malinda Seneviratne has given me applies to research especially. He said when you reflect on an experience or event, you must accept there will always be ways you could have done better, but you learn from it. Don’t doubt or pout on it.
The only way I could personally accept the lesson of admitting what I could have done better, though, is knowing that I did my best.
It is such a vague word encompassing a world of possibilities and rabbit holes.
The research paper in the spring semester was a comprehensive understanding of what was expected, however this summer was the first time I was doing field-abroad research, which was daunting at the start.
I still don’t know if I’m doing it right or if there is even a right way, however learning how to research has been just as important as the research notes I’ve been posting.
I’ve learned first to be observant of how things can tie together even if it would not be assumed possible at first. As we attended a variety of lectures from inter-disciplinary sources in three countries, I took thorough notes of each not only to keep track, but to also log any potential connections that were unexpected.
Which reminds me, notes are the first and foremost essential key to research. When taking notes, always write down the questions that pop, because I always forgot them or they were an open door for side research after the lecture.
Tying things together demands a keen and adaptable observance and a fine sense of how to read between the lines of messages, context and actions.
After all of the notes and questions and connections, reflection is essential. It’s also ideal to reflect as soon after as possible, because even notes can become senseless in time. Questions could be answered in the fresh reflection also.
Reflecting and writing are my research building blocks. Until I solidify some aspect from what I learned in a holistic piece, I feel jumbled and scattered as if the puzzle has exploded out of the box, and it’s hard to piece a puzzle together without finding initial fits.
One of many advice bits Malinda Seneviratne has given me applies to research especially. He said when you reflect on an experience or event, you must accept there will always be ways you could have done better, but you learn from it. Don’t doubt or pout on it.
The only way I could personally accept the lesson of admitting what I could have done better, though, is knowing that I did my best.
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