Comments on: When teaching meets research meets blogging

By: Graham Wegner

Graham Wegner — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 08:20:23 +0000

I would say from my casual observations from within the system here in South Australia, not many teachers would view themselves as researchers. Part of it is that notion of academia – experts and researchers with doctorates do their detached research from afar and then teachers read their latest findings in books and journals or reserve spots at professional development seminars and sessions to find out what the research says should be happening in their classrooms. The other part that comes into play is that often research is a place where the boundaries are pushed or new territory is explored – many teachers are very wary of labelling their pedagogy as being part of personal action research – to some, they are quite afraid of being labelled experimental by leaders, parents or their peers. And who wants their child in a classroom where they could labelled guinea pigs following some teacher’s wacky passions? For many, the safe route is to follow what is touted as good common practice and not go out too far out alone on a limb. It’s a shame that teachers are resourced better and actively supported to conduct classroom based research – the chalkface experience is too often over-ridden and disregarded by the higher powers that be.
I know my own doubts about perceiving myself as a teacher/researcher have a lot to with doubting that I have enough method and trust in my observations.I know that many of us subscribe to a research methodology described once by Will Richardson as “throwing ideas against a wall and seeing if it sticks”. Sometimes, in a time poor occupation, that’s as good as we can do.

By: Kate Olson

Kate Olson — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 02:56:59 +0000

Sylvia -

Thanks for bringing up such an important topic – I’m planning to start a Masters program soon and often don’t feel that I’m prepared for the research that will be involved. You’ve shared some excellent resources and made me realize that just by blogging about my experiences I’m already part-way there.

By: Wendy Drexler

Wendy Drexler — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:53:06 +0000

Sylvia,

I used the Reflective Teacher’s Guide to Classroom Research for my Ed.S. project. It’s another practical reference http://www.amazon.com/Reflective-Educators-Guide-Classroom-Research/dp/0761946462 . I so strongly believe in teacher leadership. I know many smart and talented teachers who are conducting action research on a daily basis. They just don’t realize it. I completely agree with Chris Lehmann’s recent post that calls for transparency in our profession. We have so much to learn from each other.

Wendy

By: Bill Ferriter

Bill Ferriter — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 00:42:23 +0000

Great piece, Sylvia—and much needed. All too often, teachers feel disempowered because they aren’t seen—and don’t see themselves—as experts with a deep understanding of teaching and learning.

This has only gotten worse in a coercive accountability world where instant solutions are valued over reflection. For teachers to argue that they’re capable of identifying and amplifying instructional practices that work takes some measure of courage—and support from administrators that isn’t always present.

Empowering teachers to be researchers will reinforce the kinds of professional reflection that leads to student achievement—-and make our profession attractive to highly motivated practictioners.

Whew—that felt good! I get all geeked when I talk about empowerment.

Rock on,
Bill