Reflection on Webquest of

What?

Descriptive: Strictly observational with data collection as the sole point of this kind of study. A start off point for the other studies.

Corrleational: Often confused with experimental, correlational studies do not make a change in environment but, from collected data, make a general statement about the relation of two or more factors.

Experimental: Very difficult to conduct outside of a lab due to the complexity of humans and many unaccounted for factors. A control group is necessary.

Action based: A study done that is isolated to one group of people and cannot be generalized. Because there is no control group, it is not a true experimental. It worked for them; it may or may not work for you.

So What?

It is very important to have not only a knowledge base of what types of studies are out there so I can determine what best practices to use in my classroom, but also to know the difference so I don't make a decision based on false conclusions. The circumstances under which these studies are done is so important in determining weather or not they are valid.

Now What?

(1) I need to continute to learn about educational research because, even though I now have a basic understanding of what it is, I don't know how to implement a study in my own classroom. I've also not read really any of the studies which is daunting and exciting because there are so many studies done and so many great ideas out there. It is an opportunity to continue to learn during my career as a teacher.

(2) Considering that teaching is all about begging, borrowing, and stealing, there is no need to reinvent the wheel all of the time. Taking what is learned in reasearch studies and applying it in my own classroom or tweaking it or even disregarding it as not applicable is how this all works and how continual growth is possible. With access to technology and the studies and findings of others and with a good brain and deductive reasoning of my own, there will be no reason not to succeed, and keep succeeding over and over again in newer and better ways.