More on Research vs. Practice
Larisa M. Naples (naples+@pitt.edu)
Thu, 27 Mar 1997 16:48:30 +0000
Kam's point, below, is well taken.
> Simply put, translation of findings into practice
> happens slowly if at all.
This is certainly true. One possible reason for this is the often
blurred line between educational evaluation and educational research.
True evaluations are conducted to help inform specific educational
decisions regarding specific educational programs or activities, for
specific individuals who intend to use the results. Because of this,
true evaluations tend to be very targeted, answering specified
questions, and presenting findings in a manner which encourages
implementation. On the other hand, educational research seeks to gain
an in-depth, generalizable understanding of an educational program or
activity, and the findings of these activities are typically
"disseminated" as scholarly books and journal articles targeted to
other academic researchers, and not to the (k-12) educational
practitioners. In this sense, the optimal focus for our discussions
might be less "balancing research and practice" and more "integrating
research and practice."
Other views? Arguments?
Larisa Naples