The Value of Research

I can honestly say that I underestimated the value of research to my practice at the beginning of this program. It took some time for me to realize that it is important. I started off by using research to support what I was seeing in the classroom and through field studies found that research prior to designing a field study was most valuable. Research allowed me to learn through the experiences of others.

A couple of the most valuable reasons to me for continue to using research in the future are :

1) Research keeps me current with new findings and theory in education. I think keeping current as teachers is important to our practice as it can keep us engaged with the practice of teaching. It prevents teaching from becoming ‘stale’. If we hope students to become lifelong learners than we must expect the same of ourselves.

2) Knowing the whys behind what I do is important to me. At times, research has given me a way to articulate what I have been seeing in my practice. Other times, it leads me to question my assumptions. Research can provide the stimulus for reflection and keeps pedagogy at the centre of my practice.