Final Reflection

What?
I've learned about the four different types of educational research. Descriptive research describes the situation. It can describe what, how, or why something is happening. Correlational research attempts to uncover correlations between two variables. In this research predictions of one variable can be made if the status of the other is known. Experimental research attempts to discover if one variable causes an effect on another variable. This research is all about cause and effect. Action research attempts to seek more effective interventions for students. This research differs from other types of research because the educator does the examining to discover strategies to help their own students.

So What?
The most important learnings I got out of this topic were a basic knowledge of the different types of research. These research methods are important to know for teachers because they need to know and understand what it going on in research education, and they need to be able to implement those research findings into their classroom. I felt that the most insightful item that I learned was a knowledge of action research. It's important to know that as a teacher you don't have to wait for someone else to research pertinent topics; you can do it yourself. You can search for more effect ways to reach your students.

Now What?
Yes, I can tell you the four main types of educational research, and yes, I can give you a definition of what they are and how they work. However, I don't really know how to implement these research findings into my classroom any better. I still need to learn how to find new methods that are suitable for specific situations and use them in my teachings.

Of course I can use my new findings in my career. As a teacher it is important to keep up with and be aware of the new educational research. New studies or new teaching methods are important to be aware of, but it is also important to understand how these researchers have come to their conclusions. Having an understanding of research types helps teachers come to a better conclusion about the validity of the research. Also different types of research studies are important to understand so I can practice them myself. Action research is important to be aware of and understand because it allows the teacher to intervene when current research isn't helping in specific areas.