What do you do if you lack assertiveness and confidence in educational research?

Consider seeking support and guidance from mentors or colleagues who are experienced in research. Their insights and encouragement can help boost your confidence and provide valuable guidance.

If you lack assertiveness and confidence in educational research, then it means you need to proof read your own work using a different approach of reading. Instead of convincing yourself that your research is sound. You need to identify gaps in your research which clearly show signs of needing stronger credibility or supportive evidence. When you first focus on sharing your truth and viewpoints with confidence, you then go over those points using a different mind to identify areas which could be further strengthened and developed to enhance the quality of your research and eliminate bias.

It is always best to learn from other experienced colleagues. Find strengths in your colleagues to go to them for help in your weaknesses. It is also so important to keep reading to build knowledge and understand to be able to apply into your teaching. Finally, going to PDs helps you to meet experts in the field and learn from them.

Though it's an inborn attribute yet one can learn-unlearn and relearn new skills to be a better version of themselves. The 21st century skills can be the focal point.

To boost assertiveness and confidence in educational research: 1. Build skills through courses or workshops. 2. Seek feedback from mentors or peers. 3. Set specific goals for improvement. 4. Practice speaking in public or group settings. 5. Reflect on progress regularly. 6. Maintain a positive mindset towards challenges. Additional considerations: Join research groups, attend conferences, and seek guidance from experienced researchers to enhance your skills and confidence.

Absolutely! Constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement. It provides an opportunity to learn from others' perspectives and experiences, which can reveal blind spots in your research or areas where you can improve. It's important to approach feedback with an open mind and willingness to learn, rather than viewing it as a personal attack. This mindset shift can make receiving feedback less daunting and more beneficial. Moreover, the more frequently you seek and receive feedback, the more comfortable and adept you will become at using it to enhance your research and communication skills. Ultimately, this will contribute to your growth, assertiveness, and confidence in educational research.

We all started the feedback process in grade school. Peer reviewing has always been a valuable skill to display. Humbly accepting advice from professionals will help you grow. Hearing the opinions of those unfamiliar with your work will help to make your voice universal.

Falling in love with your own work or creative project has always been an obstacle even for geniuses, so tread carefully and don’t hesitate in taking a feedback from fellow researchers, experts and other stakeholders to ensure that the piece you are carving has the elements of being appreciated in future as well. Course correction at every step, if the need be, helps in making the research effective, productive and inspiring. With Generative AI in vogue, use it to your benefit and as a great learning tool.

If you are nervous or worried about seeking feedback, a perspective to consider is asking yourself “what’s the worst thing that could happen?” Probably nothing. There is something to learn and take away from any criticism, even if you disagree or dislike the criticism.

It is always a positive if you are receptive. You will never know how to move forward if you don't listen and adhere to constructive criticism. We have to learn from our mistakes in order to grow and be effective.

That's an excellent point! Goal setting is a powerful tool for boosting confidence and assertiveness. Breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable ones can make the research process seem less daunting, and achieving these smaller goals can provide a sense of accomplishment and progress. This, in turn, can increase self-efficacy and motivation, making you feel more confident and assertive. Regularly reviewing and adjusting your goals also allows you to stay flexible and responsive to changes, which is crucial in any research process. Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is progress towards your larger objectives.

There are different practices that one can put into place for performing academic research: read 2-3 articles per day and train for field-relevant literacy, choose your writing format (e.g., hourglass), write 200 words per day, and take brain breaks.

Practice is pivotal in overcoming a lack of assertiveness and confidence in educational research. Each research endeavor is an opportunity to refine skills, learn from mistakes, and build confidence. With each practice, whether conducting studies, analyzing data, or presenting findings, one inches closer to mastery. Embrace the journey of continuous improvement, knowing that progress comes from persistent practice and dedication to growth.

Communication is the most under-rated element of the research in any form, however, your writing style, using anecdotes and even presenting data through the best visuals involves communication skills. Presenting your research is like a pitch to the investors, hence, one must practice it well to deliver an impactful, well-paced and outcome driven speech.

Practicing will improve your skills, so this is a must. So please talk about your work in any opportunity you might have, but not only that, try to do it with as diverse a public as possible. It will also help you to explain it differently, to both people who might be an expert or have good knowledge of the topic you are working on, but also to a public that is not related to the topic. This second one will help you improve by breaking down your explanations into simpler understandable terms for everyone.

Absolutely! Effective communication is key in any field, and educational research is no exception. Regularly presenting your findings, whether in formal settings like conferences and seminars, or in informal discussions with peers, can significantly improve your communication skills. It not only helps you become more comfortable with public speaking, but also allows you to receive valuable feedback and different perspectives on your work. Participating in study groups or workshops is indeed a great idea, as they provide a supportive environment to practice and refine your communication skills. Over time, these experiences will enhance your confidence and assertiveness in discussing and defending your research.

A great way to build confidence is by sharing different research with a range of people at work, this will give you the opportunity to practice your explanation nd articulation of different ideas.

In the realm of educational research, I navigate the maze of uncertainty with reflective pauses. Immersing myself in methodologies and seeking feedback, I refine my skills. Each project and setback becomes a stepping stone, fueling my confidence. Through resilience and continuous learning, my journey transforms me into an assertive and confident contributor to educational research.

Absolutely correct! Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth and self-improvement. By regularly taking the time to reflect on your experiences, challenges, and progress, you can gain a deeper understanding of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. This process can also help you recognize the value of your work and the progress you've made, which can significantly boost your confidence and assertiveness. Remember, self-reflection is not about being overly critical of yourself, but about understanding and acknowledging your journey, celebrating your successes, and identifying opportunities for learning and growth.

This easier said than done but we should assure ourselves that this is a temporary phase. We will eventually grow out of it if we stay dedicated.

You're absolutely right! Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial in building confidence and assertiveness. Celebrating your successes, however small, helps to build a positive self-image and reinforces your belief in your abilities. Avoiding negative self-talk is also important, as it can undermine your confidence and skew your perception of your abilities. Surrounding yourself with supportive and positive colleagues can indeed make a big difference. They can provide encouragement, share their own experiences, and offer valuable advice. A positive and supportive environment can help you overcome challenges, build resilience, and boost your confidence in your research abilities.

If you lack assertiveness and confidence in educational research, here are some steps you can take to build your confidence and enhance your abilities: Embrace a growth mindset: Adopt a growth mindset and recognize that research skills can be developed and improved over time. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and view setbacks as learning experiences. Emphasize continuous learning and improvement in your research endeavors.

Consider more collaboration. Sometimes it's the ol' "safety in numbers." Having a partner in your research process will give you both the sounding boards to critique yourselves before going forward and discussing your research with others. By having affirmed and reviewed beliefs ahead of time with a partner or small research group, you will develop a confidence to present them to others.

Consider taking on further tertiary studies in an area adjacent to your expertise, this will give you the opportunity to expand your area of expertise whilst building new knowledge and challenging your own ideas.