Scientifically-Based Methods vs Action Research

I love to read science articles when they show that a theory that we have held for centuries and has been “scientifically-proven” is now considered incorrect. Pluto is a famous example. Dinosaur “facts” change constantly. Science is a dynamically changing body of knowledge.

So what have scientifically-based methods done for the P12 or even the college environment? How many “fads” have been proven to be successful only to be displaced by the next “fad”? How many millions of academic research projects are done each year? Has education fundamentally changed due to any of this research? Greg Toppo in “Education Science in Search of Answers” USA Today 6D Wed Apr. 11 2007 mentions research “studies that do little to help schools solve practical problems such as how to train teachers, how to raise skills, (and) how to lower dropout rates” Education researchers do not do “rigorous …and important research”. He tells that the What Works ClearingHouse evaluates research studies and finds over 75% unacceptable.

Let’s move from academic research to Action Research. How does what you do in your class make a learning difference in your students in the next month in terms of the standards? Try out an instructional method, give several assessments, evaluate the success of the method, and try another method if students are not reaching the success level you want. A simple spreadsheet can be a powerful tool to aid you in your action research. When the class reaches your level, congratulate them. Make your classroom a place where action research makes a real difference in the academic lives of students.

(My 200th blog entry!)

© Harry Grover Tuttle, 2007

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