Reflection on My Applied Research Proposal Writing Progress

 

Reflection on My Applied Research Proposal Writing Progress

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Throughout the research proposal writing process, I have made significant progress on my project. One of the major milestones I achieved was completing the research proposal. It was a significant accomplishment that provided a solid foundation for my project. However, I am fully aware that there is still much work ahead, particularly in terms of data collection, analysis, and deriving recommendations for future implementation. Nevertheless, completing the research proposal has given me a sense of achievement and fueled my motivation to tackle the next phases of the project with enthusiasm. In terms of the quality and relevance of the findings obtained, the extensive literature review I conducted validated the necessity of the proposed research. It reinforced my belief that the objectives I have set are achievable and that the findings will contribute meaningfully to the field. The feedback I received from my peers, instructor, and other stakeholders has been invaluable in refining and improving my proposal (Laursen et al., 2010). Their insights and suggestions have helped shape its structure and enhance its clarity. This feedback not only elevated the quality of my work but also deepened my understanding of the necessary processes and materials required for successful research.

During the writing of the research proposal, I ran into a few obstacles. The references have to be formatted correctly following APA 7 standards, which was one of my biggest challenges. This needed careful attention to every last detail, making sure that the information was presented in the right order, with the proper punctuation and usage of italics or quotation marks. Additionally, mentioning online publications or websites proved difficult because they frequently required extra details (Rezeki, 2018). Finding reliable and pertinent sources for the literature review was another challenge I ran into (Rastri et al., 2023). I was able to overcome these obstacles, though, by conducting thorough research, asking my instructor for advice, and reading style manuals to verify accuracy and coherence.

Questions I Have to Move Forward

Looking ahead, several questions have arisen that will guide my future research. I need to identify knowledge gaps and areas that require further investigation to ensure the completeness of my study (Robinson et al., 2013). Determining if additional data or resources are necessary to address my research questions is also crucial for obtaining robust findings. Furthermore, considering the implications of the findings and exploring potential avenues for future research will allow me to extend the impact of my work. I also need to evaluate the connections between my research and related fields or disciplines to ensure its interdisciplinary relevance. Finally, I must critically assess the potential limitations or weaknesses of my current approach and explore alternative strategies or methodologies to address them effectively.

I've been able to recognize my successes and identify places for development by thinking back on how far I've gotten with the research assignment. I successfully finished the research proposal, got helpful criticism, faced obstacles along the way, and overcame them. I now have a better understanding of the research process and have significant questions that will direct my next research. I'm eager to carry on with my research and add to the corpus of knowledge in my field.

Roadblocks and Solutions

Throughout my research journey, I have encountered various roadblocks in proposal writing that have tested my ability to navigate and overcome challenges. One major roadblock I faced was the difficulty in articulating clear and focused research objectives. I realized that without well-defined objectives, my proposal lacked direction and clarity (Martins, 2020). To address this, I took the time to review and refine my research question, seeking guidance from advisors and experts in the field. Their input helped me formulate concise and specific objectives, ultimately strengthening my proposal. Another roadblock I encountered was insufficient background research. I learned that a comprehensive literature review is crucial to establishing existing knowledge and identifying gaps in the field (Borrego et al., 2014). Initially, I struggled to gather relevant information and ensure the comprehensiveness of my review. However, through extensive research and seeking feedback from advisors and peers, I was able to enhance the foundation of my proposal (Laursen et al., 2010). Conducting a thorough literature review became a priority, allowing me to build a stronger case for the significance of my research.

Designing an appropriate methodology was another challenge I faced. I realized that a well-designed methodology is essential to effectively address the research objectives. Initially, I struggled to determine the most suitable approach for my study. However, with guidance from researcher friends in my school, I was able to explore relevant research methodologies in the field. I also considered pilot studies and feasibility assessments to refine my research design, ensuring its validity and alignment with my objectives. The structure and organization of my proposal also presented a roadblock. Ineffective organization and presentation can lead to confusion and a lack of clarity for reviewers. To address this, I focused on creating a logical and coherent structure for my proposal. I incorporated clear sections and subheadings and utilized formatting techniques such as headings and bullet points to enhance readability. Additionally, I engaged in multiple rounds of revision and editing, seeking feedback from peers and advisors to ensure that my proposal was well organized and effectively communicated my research plan. Furthermore, I faced the challenge of inadequate supporting data or evidence for my literature review. It was crucial to provide robust data and research findings to support my proposal. Initially, I struggled to gather sufficient data and statistics to strengthen my arguments. However, through collaborative efforts and consultations with experts and research institutions, I was able to collect and present relevant data.

Thus, the roadblocks encountered in proposal writing have been instrumental in shaping my research journey. Through careful planning, extensive research, and collaboration with mentors and peers, I have been able to overcome these challenges. Reflecting on these roadblocks and the strategies employed to address them has not only enhanced my proposal writing skills but also deepened my understanding of the research process as a whole. Moving forward, I will continue to learn from these experiences, seek feedback, and refine my proposals to overcome future roadblocks in research.

References

Borrego, M., Foster, M. J., & Froyd, J. E. (2014, January). Systematic Literature Reviews in Engineering Education and Other Developing Interdisciplinary Fields. Journal of Engineering Education, 103(1), 45–76. https://doi.org/10.1002/jee.20038

Laursen, S., Hunter, AB., Seymour, E., Thiry, H., & Melton, G. (2010). Undergraduate research in the sciences: Engaging students in real science. John Wiley and Son Inc. https://books.google.bt/books?hl=en&lr=&id=WRtOAXXFDQUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=through+extensive+research+and+seeking+feedback+from+advisors+and+peers,+to+enhance+the+foundation+of+my+proposal.+&ots=NV3I6arWCk&sig=D6Vt9uqJAzvTZILWFbkMx5fn01M&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

Martins, J. (2020, October 24). How to Write An Effective Project Objective, With Examples [2023] • Asana. Asana. https://asana.com/resources/how-project-objectives

Rastri, A., Rezeki, Y. S., Salam, U., Riyanti, D., & Surmiyati, S. (2023, January 2). An Analysis of Students’ Problems in Writing a Research Proposal. Acitya: Journal of Teaching and Education, 5(1), 57–71. https://doi.org/10.30650/ajte.v5i1.3479

Rezeki, Y. S.  (2018).  Analysis of EFL students’ citation practices and problems in academic writing.  International Journal of Educational Best Practices, 2(1), 62-72. https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.v2n1.p62-72

Robinson, K. A., Akinyede, O., Dutta, T., Sawin, V. I., Li, T., Spencer, M. R., Turkelson, C. M., & Weston, C. (2013, February 1). Introduction - Framework for Determining Research Gaps During Systematic Review: Evaluation - NCBI Bookshelf. Introduction - Framework for Determining Research Gaps During Systematic Review: Evaluation - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK126702/

 

 

Rezeki, Y. S.  (2018).  Analysis  of  EFL  students’  citation  practices  and  problems  in  academic

writing.  International  Journal  of  Educational  Best  Practices,  2(1),  62-72.

https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.v2n1.p62-72

Rezeki, Y. S.  (2018).  Analysis  of  EFL  students’  citation  practices  and  problems  in  academic

writing.  International  Journal  of  Educational  Best  Practices,  2(1),  62-72.

https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.v2n1.p62-72

Rezeki, Y. S.  (2018).  Analysis  of  EFL  students’  citation  practices  and  problems  in  academic

writing.  International  Journal  of  Educational  Best  Practices,  2(1),  62-72.

https://doi.org/10.31258/ijebp.v2n1.p62-72