There was a time when the field of education research yielded questionable results. Studies lacked accuracy and findings were evaluated in biased ways that sometimes led to negative consequences and education research took on a poor reputation as being unscientific. However, the past two decades have led to stringent and exacting standards for research and stemming from these changes, truly important, useful and interesting findings are finally helping to improve our ability to educate.
Take time to explore new research and be rewarded by what you find. Seeking out new research is stimulating and can open up the door to new ideas, new techniques and new tools. It is centering to our mission as educators and inspiring, especially when it supports the techniques we know work; it validates our classroom practices and validates our effectiveness as teachers.
Our individual explorations of research are essential for us to undertake if we want to give our students the best education we can.
When investing time in research results and sharing the information with our colleagues it is important to dispel antiquated myths that researchers don’t know actually takes place in the classroom or that research is not trustworthy.
Often, it can feel selfish to take time for ourselves to look beyond the students and the constraints of the day, but what happens when we step back to see ourselves, our role, in the bigger picture of education? What happens when we put ourselves back into the same mindset our students take on every day as the curious learner? What will we find when we take a look outside the walls of our schools and classrooms?
Josh Jessen is a former public school teacher, doctoral student and Grants Specialist in the College of Education at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He has taught in three states and worked with students in Kindergarten through college. The focus of his studies are on narrowing the gap between research and classroom practice in public schools.
- How to find perspective and purpose in education research - June 5, 2014