Section archive - Research Methods

Regardless of learning style preference, the use of case study was found to be the preferred learning method. These findings were the result of a study conducted on students enrolled in elementary/secondary science methods course. Students completed a survey indicating their learning style preference and rated the eight identified teaching methods used throughout the semester for effectiveness.

The article describes a study of early childhood teachers in rural school districts in Alaska. The purpose of the study was to provide the teachers with observation skills that would enable them to make decisions that foster appropriate development and cultural responses to the children's needs. The study relied on the principle that intrinsic changes can occur in program management, curriculum development, and teacher practice when teachers learn how to use observation of children rather than external evaluation to make decisions about their programs.

The article describes a study of Turkish chemistry and biology student teachers which examined the value of educational research. The students were given questionnaires and were also requested to submit research reports. Results indicate that the student teachers found that the research projects helped the, gain knowledge of about research methodology and problem solving skills, and provided them with insights to teaching and learning.

Understanding curriculum as a complex relational dynamic that is shaped by the multiple social and cultural contexts in which teachers and learners dwell, and mindful of the ways in which our discursive practices simultaneously include and exclude, the authors accepted, as an ethical matter, our responsibility to create spaces for critical conversations in which practitioners' voices can be heard. The authors consider the possibilities of emancipatory and collaborative action research with practitioners.