Learning to think "scientifically" about learning, development, and education is no small task. A scientific approach doesn't always fit neatly with our instincts as teachers. Teaching is often described as an art--one based on individual judgment and social interactions. That said, there's a great deal of scientific knowledge out there that can inform the art of teaching. What do you think will be the most difficult part of learning to think more scientifically about educational problems? What do you think you will need the most help with along the way?
During my master’s degree program, I took a class in action research. It was during this class that I realized just how much scientific knowledge and research we do as teachers even perhaps, without realizing it. We analyze our children's’ behaviors and create hypotheses for why they are acting or struggling the way that they are. Then we try to figure out how to address the problem. THIS is where I think having a strong scientific background is important and will continue to strengthen my teaching. By gaining a better and more solid understanding of brain based research, I will hopefully be more effective when creating interventions, IEP’s etc... The difficulty I think, might lie in being able to analyze research and find the information that will help my students and myself be more successful. There is so much information out there, and finding the “good” and helpful research sometimes seems like finding a needle in a haystack.
I also anticipate needing help with the statistics and math that accompany research studies and articles. There are times, if I am being honest, that I see charts and tables and I am not quite sure what is the relevant information and the key pieces I need to take away. So, I am hopefully that throughout the courses, I will gain the ability to look at research and cut through some of the technical language and see the big picture!
