Educational research - 1 Chapter Notes | Crash Course for UGC NET Education PDF Download

Research

Research is the method of investigating in a scientific manner. It is regarded as a means to obtain trustworthy and valuable information concerning education. Research entails a methodical process of exploration and questioning, with the goal of uncovering answers to unresolved questions. It can be characterized as the application of the scientific method to examine problems. The terms 'Research' and 'Scientific Method' are occasionally perceived as identical. However, research represents a more organized and systematic use of the Scientific Method, with the intention of discovering and developing a structured body of knowledge. The fundamental distinction lies in the fact that the Scientific Method can be employed without research, but research cannot be conducted without utilizing the Scientific Method. Educational research refers to the application of the Scientific Method in exploring issues related to education.Scientific Inquiry

Concept and Definitions of Research

The term 'research' is comprised of two components: 're' and 'search.' 'Re' signifies repetition, while 'search' denotes the exploration of something novel. Research involves the repeated observation of a phenomenon (which could be an event, object, or process), gathering data, and drawing scientific conclusions based on that data. It constitutes a pursuit of knowledge and a systematic endeavor to acquire new insights in any given field.

Research and Educational Research

Research is defined as a careful investigation or inquiry aimed at discovering new facts in any field of knowledge. It involves a systematic effort to gain knowledge and is characterized by objectivity, impartiality, and logical analysis of controlled observations. The goal of research is to develop generalizations, principles, or theories that can predict and control events related to specific phenomena.

Research is essential in all fields to create new theories or to modify, accept, or nullify existing ones. When research is focused on finding solutions to educational problems, it is referred to as educational research.Illuminated Discovery

Educational Research

• Educational research is a systematic effort to understand and improve the educational process using the scientific method.
• It focuses on understanding human behavior in educational settings, explaining factors that influence education, predicting outcomes, and controlling and improving educational situations.
• The primary aim of educational research is to conceptualize and theorize processes and practices to understand educational events and phenomena.
• Knowledge growth in education through experience is often slow and accidental, making research crucial for understanding and improving educational practices.

Solutions Based on Research for Future Generations

Educational research is crucial for building a scientific understanding of how students learn and what teaching methods work best. By investigating the behaviour patterns of pupils and the conditions that foster effective learning, research helps educators make informed decisions. Definitions of Educational Research

• Mouly: Educational research involves applying the scientific method systematically to solve problems in education.
• Whitney: Educational research seeks solutions to educational issues using both quantitative and qualitative research methods.
• Monroe: The ultimate goal of educational research is to identify principles and develop procedures that enhance education.

Research in Education

• Educational research aims to understand, explain, predict, and control human behaviour in educational settings.
• It seeks to create an organised body of scientific knowledge relevant to education.
• Research gathers information about a child's personality, learning process, emotional development, social adjustment, and skills.
• It studies a child's growth and development stages and the factors influencing them.
• The ultimate goal is to improve the teaching-learning process in classrooms.

Characteristics of Educational Research

Insightful Learning

• Highly purposeful: Educational research is conducted with a clear and specific purpose in mind.
• Aims to solve educational problems: The primary goal is to address and find solutions to various issues in the field of education.
• Based on observable experience or empirical evidence: Research is grounded in what can be observed and measured, relying on tangible evidence.
• Involves collecting new data: Researchers gather new information from primary sources, while also utilizing existing data for new analyses.
• Organises data quantitatively and qualitatively: Data is structured in both numerical and descriptive forms to facilitate statistical inferences.
• Addresses issues concerning students and teachers: The research focuses on problems and phenomena related to both learners and educators.
• Focuses on developing generalisations, principles, or theories: The aim is to create frameworks that aid in understanding, predicting, and managing educational situations.
• Requires subjective interpretation and deductive reasoning: Some aspects of research involve personal interpretation and reasoning from general principles to specific cases.
• Employs carefully designed procedures and rigorous analysis: Research methods are meticulously planned, and data analysis is conducted with precision.
• Discovers new facts from a new perspective: Educational research seeks to uncover new information by looking at issues from different angles, contributing to the creation of new knowledge.

Need and Importance of Educational Research

Educational research is essential for providing valuable and trustworthy knowledge that enhances the effectiveness of the educational process. The recognition of the importance of research in education dates back to the Government Resolution of the Indian Educational Policy in 1913. However, it was only after India gained independence in 1947 that concerted efforts were made to promote research in education systematically. This promotion was facilitated by the establishment of various national and state organizations dedicated to advancing elementary and secondary education, curriculum and textbook research, and evaluation procedures.

The need for educational research arises from its potential to generate useful information that can improve educational practices, policies, and outcomes. Research in education helps in understanding the complexities of teaching and learning, identifying effective strategies, and addressing challenges faced by educators and learners. Moreover, it contributes to the development of evidence-based practices and informed decision-making in the field of education.

Understanding Education as Both Science and Art

Ecological Education

Education is considered both a science and an art. As a science, it involves understanding various aspects such as:

• Human Mind: The nature of the human mind and how it works.
• Growth and Development: How the mind grows and develops over time.
• Administration and Supervision: Theories related to managing and overseeing educational institutions.
• Educational Programs: Different types of educational programs and their effectiveness.
• Curricula: What is included in the curriculum and how it is structured.
• Practices: Various educational practices and their impact.

Since education is based on a body of knowledge, it is important to incorporate new scientific findings to improve and diversify educational methods and approaches.

The Importance of Research in Education

Research plays a crucial role in:

• Clarifying Knowledge: Helping to clarify and reinterpret what is already known about education.
• Establishing Theories: Building strong and reliable theories related to education.

Education is closely linked to various fields such as:

• Philosophy: The study of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, and existence.
• History: Understanding the past and its impact on education.
• Economics: The study of how resources are allocated and its effect on education.
• Psychology: Understanding human behavior and mind in the context of learning.
• Sociology: The study of society and social behavior, and how it relates to education.

By conducting thorough scientific research in these areas, we can develop strong and effective educational theories.

Evolving Views on Education

The report 'Learning to Be' by the International Commission on the Development of Education (UNESCO, 1972) emphasizes that:

• Education: Should not be limited to fixed content.
• Process: Should be seen as a process that occurs within the individual.

Individuals have the ability to learn how to:

• Express Themselves: Sharing thoughts and feelings effectively.
• Communicate: Conveying information and ideas to others.
• Question: Analyzing and questioning the world around them based on their experiences.

This ongoing journey of personal growth and fulfilment through continuous learning requires educational research to broaden its focus beyond traditional and formal education. It should also include:

• Non-Formal Education: Learning that occurs outside the formal school system.
• Innovative Systems: New and creative approaches to education.
• Ecological Models: Understanding education in the context of ecological systems.
• Cybernetic Models: Using principles from cybernetics to understand educational processes.

Purpose of Educational Research

Knowledge Growth

The main goal of educational research is to create new knowledge about the teaching and learning environment and to enhance educational practices.

Various Purposes of Educational Research

• To address urgent local issues in education.
• To establish principles and develop procedures for use in the field of education, determining the extent of our educational efforts for children and adults.
• To answer questions related to education through reflective thinking.
• To discover new applications of principles and laws in education.

According to Creswell (2002), educational research serves several purposes:

• Improve Practice: Research can offer suggestions for improving practices that have been proven effective through various applications by different individuals, which may be difficult for practitioners to identify on their own.
• Expand Knowledge: Research enables exploration of aspects that may not have been previously recognized or understood in different ways.
• Address Gaps in Knowledge: Research can focus on areas where knowledge is limited, such as comparing the effects of online and traditional classroom teaching.
• Replicate Knowledge: Research can be conducted to verify previous findings and establish their reliability.
• Add Voices of Individuals to Knowledge: Research can incorporate diverse perspectives to reflect the needs of different learning types. Historically, much educational research focused on middle to upper-class males, which does not represent the current diverse student population. Research helps update theories and practices to better serve various students.