As I reviewed our reading materials for this week, the key theme for me was understanding what constitutes richness in a SoTL project. The idea of richness includes the notion of evidence and validation of work by using sound methodologies and analyzing the data we collect with the right collection instruments. I also found McKinney’s (2007) discussion on the IRB process insightful.
According to McKinney (2007), the concept of richness is linked to multiple processes that help validate one’s SoTL projects. We begin with the research question, that is we ask ourselves, “what is the problem” and “what teaching strategies can we use to solve the problem”? We then focus on how we plan to measure whether the teaching strategies re producing learning for students. Next, we need to determine the most ethical sound way to collect the data and analyze it. The use of either quantitative or qualitative analysis, or both, will help determine if there is evidence of learning. Many times, collecting data from various sources builds stronger validation of one’s SoTL project and helps grow the project into something more generalizable and open to a wider audience.
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Instead, the methodology used is determined by what the SoTL research question is looking to measure. If one is looking to quantify the knowledge gained, quantitative analysis is the best method to be used. If, however, “data incorporate verbal, visual, or textual information, you probably will have to draw on qualitative methods” (Bishop-Clark, & Dietz-Uhler, 2012, p.46). For my project, I may see myself using mixed methods, or both quantitative and qualitative methods. I would see myself using a method to measure the differences in test scores, but I would also envision observation or interviews as beneficial to get an understanding of how and why students are engaging or not
The assessment method that I chose was to ask the students questions about what they
| A good way of exploring a topic in depthUseful to assess a learners knowledge and understanding of the topicAll learners can be encouraged to be involvedDiverse characteristics and backgrounds of learners will ensure a well rounded view
variables are used and statistical data is sought; by contrast, in qualitative research, the subjective
It gives the view that effective teaching should produce students who are active and critical thinkers, and are able to construct meaning from their lessons. In order for this goal to be achieved McInerney believes there must be an established standard of effective teaching, based upon research into how a student can learn best. There are many examples of what research has shown constitutes effective teaching, but the main overarching point is a students’ best learning when they can construct their own understanding of the lesson. This is relevant to the issue of NAPLAN testing, as research into the testing has shown that teachers are modify their teaching strategy to get students to excel in the exams. This means that rather than allowing for the students to form their own understanding and ways of thinking about content, there are being taught to just regurgitate information.
Also, using a mixture of quantities and qualitative data could result in more power for their results in the study. For example, they could interview the boys on why they feel one way or another, and concentrate on the reasons for their aggressive actions and thought process. Using only qualitative or quantitative data shows only one side of the evidence.
The process of being admitted to the RCF as well as into the CPRC program follows a process known as the golden thread. A potential client makes contact with the staff and expresses interest in their desire for services. These clients go through an assessment. I was not able to observe an assessment of someone being admitted to the RCF, however I have observed them within the CPRC program. I discussed the process with my Field Instructor and learned that they were very similar. The assessment is the beginning of the golden thread and is the foundation from which everything else stems. The assessment is where the treatment plan is developed from. The assessment is an interactive process where the client is able to share areas where they
This write appreciates facts and data mostly, thus would choose a quantitative method of research. They are concise, the sampling size can be larger and the limitations to human subjectivity usually are less. It is believed that the accuracy of the study is greater and more
Quantitative research methods are objective as it uses measurements and analysis of statistical data to answer the study question. The researchers’ opinions do not affect the outcome of the study, ensuring that the study is unbiased. Another advantage is quantitative research uses numbers and statistics which is understood universally (Houser,2008).
The question of assessment in the "school system, individual schools, and teachers has evoked strong and sometimes violent emotions from the educational community, the general public and their legislative representatives"(Brown & Knight, 1994). Assessment based on standardized tests has been looked at very closely over the recent years, and some people have even mentioned that they be eliminated completely. Those who feel traditional methods should be replaced by alternative methods. These people feel that demonstration, exhibition, investigation, oral response, portfolio, and written response's are all examples of
My measurements of success are found in each and every student I teach. One of the most rewarding experiences I have had while student teaching, was watching a child’s face light up at the pivotal moment when they grasp a new concept or master a new skill. In fact, those “aha” moments are my motivators which feed my desire to look for better ways to ensure all students experience those same “aha” moments. As an effective teacher, I am determined and dedicatef to the continual process of researching, implementing, collecting and analyzing data to ensure I am improving upon the curriculum, instructional strategies, and assessment used in my classroom. Learning is a never-ending process. The better skilled I become as a teacher, the better the learning experience I can provide for my students. Therefore, the more I actively research, implement, and reflect, the greater the opportunity for giving my students the education they deserve and hopefully, the inspiration to pursue their own lifelong love of learning.
Quantitative research involves collecting data, which can be expressed numerically. The design is well structured with pre-determined outcomes. It frequently involves testing a hypothesis, which then can be analysed from the data deductively using statistical methods. Using numerical data is easier to analysis mathematical, so larger sample sizes can be utilised compared to qualitative research, therefore giving a better representative of the population; along with simplifying the process of making a generalisation. Another advantage is that studies can easily compare to similar findings (Kruger, 2003). The disadvantages are the results are limited and might not provide a proper understanding of the topic. Also, statistics and leading questions can be used to give a false representation of the data when summarising.
As an educator it is very important that a teacher uses different methods to teach the variety of different learning styles, and it is also important that the teacher uses a variety of assessment procedures. People don’t learn the same, and people don’t test the same either. I personally, am horrible when it comes to taking multiple choice and problem solving type assessments. I do better with essay and writing assessments, presentations, and teaching back what I have learned. With the understanding of how I can best be assessed myself, it will be important when I am the teacher that I use many methods to assess and grade my students work.
From the very beginning of the course, teachers should begin to analyse their learners through initial assessment methods. The assessments best suited to guide improvements in student learning are quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and other assessments such as a group activity. These can easily give the teacher/tutor an insight into the learning needs of the learners. Also
Quantitative and qualitative methods differ from one another as to their research design elements as listed below:
He also mentioned how this theory caused a profound impact on education and proposes a major transformation in the way our schools are run. It suggests the importance of training teachers to present their lessons in a wide variety of ways using music, cooperative learning, art activities, role play, multimedia, field trips, inner reflection, and much more.