CHAPTER 11 BLOG: NEXT STEPS TO RESEARCH

INSPIRATIONS:

Source: “How People Learn”, Bransford, etc. al, 2000, pp. -248-284

Research has been irrelevant to the teachers...

"The concern of researchers for the validity and robustness of their work, as well as their focus on underlying constructs that explain learning, often differ from the focus of educators on the applicability of those constructs in real classroom settings with many students, restricted time, and a variety of demands." (p.248)

"The language used by researchers is very different from that familiar to teachers. And the full schedules of many teachers leave them with little time to identify and read relevant research." (p. 249)

"Without clear communication of a research-based theory of learning and teaching, the operational theories held by the various stakeholders are not aligned. Teachers, administrators, and parents frequently encounter conflicting ideas about the nature of learning and its implications for effective teaching". (p.249)

POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

1. Research outputs should be translated into USABLE information by educators and policy makers.
2. Research key ideas should be effectively communicated to teachers, administrators, and policy makers.
3. Research should identify with the help of teachers, administrators, and policy makers which strategies are in alignment to the accepted principles of learning.
4. Educators should be partnered with researchers in undertaking these research projects.
5. Research efforts must begin in observing the learning process that takes place in the classroom.

THINKING OUT LOUD

"Talk the walk, walk the talk."

It is very encouraging to know that there are individuals who devote their time for research and the development of human learning. Their efforts yield continuing output that give updates improve teaching. Yet, truly, it is overwhelming to study all these outputs and to translate them in the classroom experience.

As a teacher, I can really make a litany of acceptable excuses on why I cannot relate to the researchers’ findings and proposals but I know these cannot be helpful for me and for my students towards achieving successful learning. Hence, it is better to be proactive than just complain. Here is then my plan of action.

I need to read more about the current studies on learning and teaching. I can subscribe to appropriate journals that are research based. I can subscribe to online access that contains current educational research. I can focus on studies that concerns with effective teaching in Math and Science. I need to translate the important concepts into practical applications in my classroom experience.

I must participate to in-service trainings that are given in my school. These are positive activities that promotes teacher learning. I need to always be opened minded to change. I should be flexible and be ready to adapt any valuable teaching strategy.

I need to be objective and be observant on the good examples of my co-teachers. Their effective teaching strategies might be suited better in my own classroom needs than any research. I should learn from those teachers who are tasked to share their classroom successes.

Dr. Harry Wong, a well-known speaker and a well-respected teacher gives the following suggestion:

“Here are some habits you can choose to develop:

1. Choose to invest in yourself so that you can increase your value to others.
2. Choose to learn and grow as a professional.
3. Choose to avoid thoughts and people who will limit you.
4. Choose to stop surviving and existing and start taking small risks to create incremental growth.
5. Choose to identify what you want to do with your life and choose to DO IT. “Source: http://teachers.net/wong/APR05/

I firmly believe that I have an important role in achieving successful learning through effective teaching. The researchers’ work will see their fruition through my commitment as a teacher with pro-active action.