Issues in Educational Research - Article Example

? Issues in Educational Research A critique of the article Construction of Teacher Knowledge in context: PreparingElementary Teachers to Teach Mathematics and Science by Norene Vail Lowery Introduction The study in this article was mainly intended for the purpose of understanding how elementary school teachers carry out their teaching in science and mathematics subjects. The key participants involved were the pre-service teachers and the setting in a school based environment involving 31 respondents both junior and senior elementary majors in a university, in order to obtain the right information needed. The methodology was carried out using multiple data collection methods like primary data collection method of observation. Observation was made in the university while involving the key participants. The observation was meant to collect information on how the elementary teachers relate with their students while teaching as well the teaching methods that are used. The data collection instruments included the use of Questionnaires which was also used between the researchers and participants. The questionnaires structured by the research body was meant to get first hand information on the key issues that hinder proper delivery by the teachers in elementary schools while teaching mathematics and science as well as gaining an insight in what should be done to improve the situation. In addition, random interviews and focus group interviews were put into use. The use secondary data was also used like the use of weekly journals from the institution under investigation, reflective journals and assessment projects (Lowery, 2000). Adequacy of data analysis procedures The data analysis procedures like the use of descriptive methods ensured that all the decisions that were related to the study were recorded. The analysis procedures also enabled the determination of category saturation, source exhaustion and any irregularities that might have emerged during the process of carrying out the research. Unitizing of data was also an essential for the analysis since it is done through the use of a computer hence minimal error for study conducted. Unitizing the data involved the use of note strips, note cards and segmentation of data in computer unit. The coded information included the source, respondent, episode any other information that was emerging. Sorting out, which was the second stage involved using the unitized data in identification of learning areas and relating them to the components of learning. The third stage of analysis sorted out the components of learning into the learning categories that had been predetermined. During the analysis enabled establishment of the key identified areas used for learning in the science and mathematics sector. The in-depth analysis procedures were adequate in that they gave an avenue through which knowledge construction of the pre-service teachers could now be understood in a better way (Johnson&Christensen, 2011). The adequacy of study results The study results were adequately equipped. This is because; the results indicated the numerous elements that were interacting in the environment that this study was conducted. The results gave the required insights on how the system functions and how it affects learning of science and mathematics in elementary schools for the pre-service teachers. The results provided the most active and influential elements in the learners system cohort. The methods of improving learning methods were also established in the study results which were the most important factor for the study. Learning venues like incorporating models in learning process, the use of reflection before, during and even after teaching and incorporating collaborative learning are a good strategy for learning mathematics and sciences in elementary schools. More so, predetermined methods for both teaching and learning experiences were defined like learning from children, teachers, instructors and course methods, self and peers. Therefore, the study results were adequate for the intended study area because, they provided the appropriate results (Johnson&Christensen, 2011). Evaluation of the conclusions of research study One of the conclusions regarding the study was based on collaborative learning. This method of learning can be of great importance for the purposes of knowledge construction. This is because; collaborative learning can motivate both the teachers and the students. It encourages patience and creativity amongst the teachers’ way of teaching as well as creativity and patience for the students (Lowery, 2000). Learning through reflection was also a great way of improving learning of science and mathematics in elementary schools. This is attributed to the fact that reflection encourages successful ways of teaching as well as encourages growth. Reflection also encourages the development of competency and confidence while teaching these two subjects. Reflection done before teaching, during teaching and after teaching can enhance teaching of the two subjects (Lowery, 2000). The use of exemplary model is also a recommendable area to be put into consideration. This is due to the fact that it enhances effectiveness in the curriculum established and provides the required discipline management and appropriateness in grade level. While the proposed learning through situated context is important due to the fact that it enables the application of theory in class to be more practical for teachers (Lowery, 2000). How the data analysis, results, and conclusions for the research study are interrelated The data collected during the research process is purposed to give an in-depth explanation into the proper methods that should be implemented for the purpose of teaching science and mathematics in elementary schools. Through data analysis, the required results like the use of models and reflective teaching can be established. Hence this can enable the right results of the study to be established. Proper ways that can be used for learning can be established through this (Lowery, 2000). The analyzed data produces the results. This can enable proper conclusions to be made on the study area conducted. For example, the analyzed data provides the appropriate methods that can be used in promoting new methods of learning and teaching of science and mathematics subjects in elementary schools (Lowery, 2000). The methods that are used to analyze the data collected also determine the results of the study. For example, the percentage of the individuals who support the idea that reflection method should be used as new way teaching and learning in elementary schools is done through analysis of the data collected by the use of pie-charts which demonstrate clearly the percentages. This produces the results and gives the required results (Lowery, 2000). Through the results established, proper conclusions on the method to be implemented for learning and teaching of these two subjects can be recommended. This is due to the fact that the percentages established during analysis of data, is projected and conclusions are made. Therefore, from data analysis process, the required results are projected out which enables the researchers to give the appropriate conclusions on the area of study (Lowery, 2000). The significance the study has in my field The study has contributed to my field of interest. This is because, I am specializing in education and this means that eventually I would gain more knowledge in the sector of teaching. Teaching elementary school teachers who are specializing in mathematics and science for elementary schools has been enhanced through this study. This is because, while preparing students for elementary schools, it will be possible to apply the recommended strategies to these future elementary teachers. This means that better pre-service teachers in the area of mathematics and science for elementary schools will be produced. The study has also given me an insight on the proper ways of carry out data collection procedures. Through this study, I have established that primary sources are very reliable methods of collecting data. This is because, from the study, the institution contributed to the insights that have been projected out from the study. The results are reliable due to the active involvement of the correct participants. Thus, for my future research, I would incorporate primary data collection methods into my area of study and give them chief priority. The study has also enabled my understanding of the appropriate data analysis procedures in the process of carrying out any educational research. Data analysis methods contribute to effective results hence proper recommendations for any educational research. Therefore, for any future educational research I will carry out, I would consider carefully all the analysis methods that are appropriate for the study. Descriptive methods have proved to be of great importance such educational research being carried out. In summary, going through this study, I have acquired the basic knowledge that is required for elementary school pre-service teachers for better teaching and learning of science and mathematics in elementary schools. I have also been able to establish that issues that are unexpected during the process of research may came up and proper measures should be put in place in case of such an event. References Lowery, M. N. V. (2000). Construction of teacher knowledge in context: Preparing elementary teachers to teach mathematics and science. Ann Arbor, Mich: UMI. Johnson, B., & Christensen, L. B. (2011). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed approaches. Thousand Oaks, Calif: SAGE Publications. Read More