July+23,+2012

=Reading about Data=

After reading the two research articles this week combined with the story of The Elephant and The Blind Men, I have some thoughts about data...

The two presented studies were different in many ways, primarily in the participant age levels and skill levels. While they were both researching the effect of access to books, summer reading and possible improved reading achievement, the two studies fulfilled their research in very different ways.

Lu & Gordon focused on providing students with choice (interest-based). Kim's article suggested materials most appropriate for the readers’ abilities (ability-based). This is an ongoing struggle for many students in my schools, either because 1) they lack the knowledge regarding their own skills and interests or 2) our library lacks the resources best suited for their levels. As a teacher-librarian, this is an essential factor in building a school library collection.

Access to books (regardless of level) was mentioned in both studies. It was concluded in both articles that many students lack access to books. This is a sad reality in my city as well. If I were to survey my schools, I would find that a majority of students do not visit the public libraries in the communities.

The interesting conclusion in both articles was that, regardless of the difference in approach to reading, they noticed growth in the lower-leveled participants. Despite the variety of interventions available, they are all worth it for the betterment of our struggling readers.

As a teacher-librarian, I tend to find the study by Lu and Gordon more appealing in the sense that results were gathered from personal interests and opinions. I really struggle with the ongoing standardized tests that exist in our school division. Through my readings for the literature review assignment, I'm finding more and more that reading achievement is heavily guided by reading motivation and attitudes toward reading. If we continue on the path of the United States, who rely on data driven results to guide their students, how are we going to motivate readers and keep it fun? I worry that the more we "test", the less enjoyable it becomes for students and teachers.

The Elephant & the Blind Men
This reminds me of the articles surrounding qualitative research, in the sense that it involves a relationship between researcher and participant. With just the point of view of the researcher, they miss an important personal piece provided by the participant and the community being studied. Research, in many ways, isn't something that can be done alone. Without the perspectives of each man in the above story, personal bias would form a conclusion that would be inaccurate.

Data - Different Types Can Mesh
After thinking about the different formats of data and presentation, I'm coming to realize that the variety of data can compliment the other. There are certainly benefits to using both, but this article that I read really puts it all into perspective:

 It is possible that the type of inquiry being completed could be better suited to one over the other. However, many times research relies on using both qualitative and quantitative data. One can follow the other or perhaps they are being completed at the same time.