Kim Tran

Describe what brought you to this research:

​​I have always held an interest in child development and wanted to carry out my action research project within that context. I find that working within children’s developmental stages can often help school counselors overcome the fundamental challenge of offering preventative and comprehensive guidance to students and their parents, especially with younger students at the elementary level. During my fieldwork internship, I narrowed my topic down to the idea of developmental transition from elementary to junior high school and how school counselors can assist students with navigating the academic and social challenges that come with the various changes.

What was your specific research question?

Using action research as a vessel for my project, the main question I wanted to explore was, “What can I do to best support the 6th grade students at my fieldwork site with their eventual transition to junior high school?” The purpose of the study was to essentially strengthen my own practice by creating and implementing program interventions to address the academic and social transition to junior high school.

What are you currently doing as a credentialed practitioner?

​​I am currently working as a child development teacher at Gymboree Play and Music, where I teach play classes for children ages 6 months to 3 years old with their parents and preschool classes for toddlers 3 to 5 years old. I held a part time position while I was in the graduate program and since graduation I have become a full time member. Action research has prepared me in adding credibility and legitimacy to what I do and why I find it necessary for parents and educators alike to understand the developmental components within each stage of a child’s development. I hope to further my experience with preschool and elementary level students in order to illustrate the importance of social and emotional learning at this critical developmental age. Additionally, in any future position I hold, I would like to work closely with parents and families to create a comprehensive and well-rounded guidance curriculum that is supported both at home and within an academic setting.