The reflection on the goals, values, and rationale of applied research within the education profession

 

The reflection on the goals, values, and rationale of applied research within the education profession

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

I came to see that applied research is a crucial component of the education profession to offer practical solutions to urgent problems in educational settings. It has a significant impact on the field of education by offering knowledge based on evidence that can help educators and policymakers decide how to best allocate resources to support student success and improve educational practices, policies, and outcomes by giving them insights into the effectiveness of various educational interventions and the decision-making process (Hine, 2013).

Goals of Applied Research

The needs of students, teachers, and society at large are directly related to the objectives of applied research in education. I learned from my reading that one of the main objectives of applied research in education is to pinpoint successful teaching techniques that can foster student achievement and learning (Liza, 2023). It is acknowledged that this entails investigating and assessing various pedagogical approaches, assessment devices, and curriculum layouts to determine which ones are most effective in various settings. By determining the most efficient ways to distribute funding, administer programs, and address concerns with fairness and access, applied education research also aims to enhance educational policies (Hassan, 2022). I observed that this entails investigating and assessing funding, accountability, and governance systems to ascertain which ones are most effective in raising student results. Finally, applied research seeks to encourage a tradition of ongoing development among educators. I realized that applied research may support the development of more effective and equitable learning environments for all children by urging educators and other stakeholders to use research findings to guide and enhance their practices.

Values of Applied Research

It is discovered that the principles of applied research in education form the basis for raising educational standards and guaranteeing that all students have access to excellent learning opportunities. I learned that applied research contributes to ensuring that educational policies and practices are informed by rigorous research and that they are created to promote student success by promoting evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, equity and access, collaborative learning, and ethical conduct (Painter, n.d.). This may result in more efficient teaching methods, improved student outcomes, and an educational system that is more inclusive and egalitarian. The principles of applied research also encourage a culture of continuous learning and cooperation, which can increase innovation and creativity in the educational setting. Educators, researchers, politicians, and other stakeholders can collaborate to bring about good change and enhance educational results for all kids by placing a high priority on these values (Hine, 2013). It is learned that education professionals can foster more efficient and fair learning environments and assist students in realizing their full potential by utilizing the most recent research findings and technologies.

The Rationale for Applied Research

The rationale for applied research in education is obvious: practices and policies in education may not be successful, efficient, or equitable in the absence of a strong evidence base. I came to understand that it is predicated on the notion that the creation and use of evidence-based knowledge can enhance educational practices, policies, and results. It has been discovered that applied research is crucial in education for several reasons, including the ability of education professionals to develop successful instructional strategies to raise student accomplishment and learning through the conduct of rigorous and pertinent research (Carolina, 2018). Additionally, it could resolve problems with fairness and access to education by figuring out what causes them and creating efficient policies and treatments. On the other hand, it can help policymakers make decisions about education by giving them information based on evidence. Finally, it can encourage educators to evaluate their practices, look for fresh perspectives, and foster innovation to support a culture of continuous improvement in education. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, applied research in education attempts to enhance educational practices, policies, and outcomes for every student through the use of effective instructional methodologies, evidence-based practices, continuous improvement, equity, and access. The promotion of high-quality educational opportunities for all students depends on the values of applied research, such as evidence-based practice, continuous improvement, equity and access, teamwork, and ethical behavior. Educators and decision-makers can use evidence-based information to make wise choices, advance fairness and access, and support student success.

References

Carolina. (2018, November 22). Applied Research in Classrooms – A Reflection | Teaching Innovation & Learning Enhancement Network. https://tile.psy.gla.ac.uk/2018/11/22/reflection-dr-peter-verkoeijens-talk-on-applied-research-in-classrooms/

Hassan, M. (2022). Applied Research – Types, Methods and Examples. https://researchmethod.net/applied-research/

Hine, G. S. C. (2013). The importance of action research in teacher education programs. Issues in Educational Research, 23(2). https://www.iier.org.au/iier23/hine.pdf

Liza, U. (2023). Applied Research: Definition, Types & Examples. QuestionPro. https://www.questionpro.com/blog/applied-research/#:~:text=Applied%20study%20in%20Education,and%20how%20the%20classroom%20works.

Painter, D. D. (n.d.). Teacher research could change your practice. National Education Association. http://web.archive.org/web/20200217170158/http:/www.nea.org/tools/17289.htm