July+24,+2012

=Research Then and Now... =

When I think back on my ideas and reflections about research in my first journal, just 20 days ago, I realize that I was only able to scratch the surface. There was no depth to my knowledge, no literature to support my thoughts - it was just simply based on what I have experienced through my work as a classroom teacher and teacher-librarian. I have created a new definition of research.

To me, research: is a complex task that involves the development of the question, deep thinking about what is of concern, working in collaboration with other researchers or participants to gain multiple perspectives and insight, meshing together research methods that will allow researchers to collect multiple forms of data that will seek to find answers to the initial question and finally, present data in a way that is not generalized or bias, that reflects accuracy and is valuable to either promoting change or maintaining current practices.

Today we were asked to think about the articles we've been reading and share our "take-aways" from the course. I started a list of things I know now that I didn't know before and it didn't take long before I had gathered a list of almost 20 new things that I have learned about research.

Other takeaways:
 * research is more than compiling data and reporting on it
 * it takes time and preparedness
 * teaching and research are linked
 * developing an inquiry question is key
 * questions should be clear and specific
 * decide on appropriate method of research - may involve range of diverse tasks
 * collect multiple forms of data - multi-method approach can help keep balance
 * building relationships with participants can allow researcher to have more involvement
 * research must work toward answering initial research question
 * bias can affect results
 * there can be issues of generalizations with research, either within a population, time period or experience
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">dichotomy may distort education research
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">research can involve collaboration rather than working in isolation
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">collaboration allows integration of different modes of inquiry
 * <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">data will have an effect on current practice

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">Implications for Change
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">The research I have done for my literature review and research in general will have an impact on my current practices. Knowing what I know now about the factors that affect differences in learning between genders, my teaching will involve more of an all-encompassing approach. Because I don't have a permanent group of students, it is important for me to ask questions of the classroom teacher and begin to familiarize myself with the students interests and learning abilities. When teaching lessons, I need to understand the differences and make sure that my teaching style is reflective of my participants.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">In the library, becoming familiar with student ability and interest will help me find materials appropriate for all students. I want to motivate even the most resistant readers, male or female, to read more.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 130%;">For research in general, I think I need to assist my fellow colleagues to be more critical of the information they are reading. We can't generalize that every study applies to our children. I think if we analyze the studies we receive, they can better inform our practice but we need to know our students first and foremost and adjust our current practice as we see fit.