Educational research is the systematic study of various aspects of education. It may be focused on different aspects of student learning, teaching methods, and classroom dynamics. This article discusses some of the main aspects of educational research. To understand this more, let us first examine what is meant by educational research. We will discuss the types of educational research, their methods, and their main purpose. Then, we will look at career prospects and qualifications. Finally, we will discuss some of the types of educational research.
Data
General educational research overviews generally include chapters on data collection. They are typically organized into qualitative and quantitative approaches. They are intended for novice researchers and consumers of educational research. This type of literature includes representative works from psychology and the general social sciences. Books on data collection for educational research include Trochim, 2006, which provides a reader-friendly introduction and Olsen, 2012, which provides an overview of data collection methods and their impact on other fields.
This approach has many benefits. It facilitates seamless collaboration and efficient data management. It also opens the door to an endless number of educational research questions. In order to develop the manuscript, we collaborated across institutions to create a repository for educational research. EKT conceived the concept for the paper. GCM, PAC, MP, AK, and CG contributed data and insights for the case studies. All authors reviewed draft manuscripts and provided comments.
Methods
This textbook explains the use of various quantitative and qualitative techniques in educational research. Its authors use the problem-oriented approach, fully integrate the decision-tree, and write in a conversational style to illustrate the scientific method. This text aims to help students develop a deeper understanding of the methods and provide directions for future development. The authors also offer many tips on how to improve the quality of their own educational research. Those interested in this topic should read this book!
The main purpose of descriptive educational research is to collect data on a subject. It seeks to determine the state of a subject, and also defines the characteristics of that situation. This research type is also sometimes referred to as observational research. To collect data, researchers may use quantitative research methods, such as questionnaires and surveys. For example, reading programs can be used to gather information about student literacy levels and classroom performance. Student surveys can also be used to gather data on their interests.
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Career prospects
Students who pursue graduate degrees in education may be interested in pursuing careers in educational research. This career track requires graduate degrees in education, and it allows professionals to conduct independent research aimed at improving education. Although most of the top jobs in educational research require researchers to spend more time alone, others will involve collaboration with teachers. In addition to conducting independent research, educational research professionals can influence changes in educational systems and improve instructors’ training. For these reasons, many education research professionals prefer to define their own course of study and conduct experiments based on educational issues.
An education researcher can work as a school curriculum administrator, an outside-the-box investigator for a think tank, or even an applied research director for state agencies. Researchers at educational research institutions use both qualitative and quantitative research methods to collect data on educational processes. They study classroom environments, observe interactions, and analyze data to determine their effectiveness. After compiling their findings, these researchers present detailed reports to educational policy professionals, who use the data to improve educational outcomes.
Qualifications
For a career in educational research, you need to obtain a doctorate or master’s degree. Many educational researchers work for academic organizations, collecting and analyzing data. The requirements for this career may differ slightly from those of other researchers. A master’s degree may also suffice. A doctoral program will involve advanced courses and personal research projects, preparing you to conduct and analyze research. Students in educational research programs will take courses in educational statistics and qualitative analysis.
Experience: Qualified educational researchers should have experience in collecting and analyzing quantitative data and interpreting them graphically. They should also have a thorough knowledge of educational issues and policies, as well as extensive experience in using research data to improve education. A PhD in statistics is typically required. Some educational researchers also have experience in supervised graduate students or other positions, such as a research assistant or a project manager. This position requires a substantial amount of independent research.
