I decided to center my critique on the first article we read and the methodology of qualitative research.
The Pod-cast was very helpful for me, especially learning about the layout of qualitative research papers and the details about each component. I have not learned much about qualitative research until now.
I agree and understand why qualitative research is primary in education. Or education primary uses qualitative research. The methodology of qualitative research, from what I understand from the pod-cast, is a description of who the people are that are involved in the research (who the researcher is watching/observing), the setting of the research, and who the researcher is. I also understand the methodology link to qualitative research, and the reason why it is not important for qualitative research to be generalized or replicated. From what I understand, the importance thing for the reader to understand in qualitative research is the methodology, so the reader can determine if they have an appropriate setting to apply the suggestions that are made in a paper.
The first article by Hinchman beings with a quote: “Reading is looking for the little words in the big words, and knowing enough words. Hey you know I’m the third worst reader in my class. I know, because the other kids read books with more pages in them than I do”. I think this is a very powerful way to begin a paper, and gives the reader an insight of what is happening. As I was reading the article I was trying to identify the specific components of a qualitative research article, that were identified in the pod-cast. The methodological section of the paper was easily identified and Hinchman wrote about the classroom study she completed by collaborating with a social studies teacher. I think the points she made in the article were similar to the points that the authors in The Skin We Speak were making.
There was one comment Hinchman made regarding the small groups of students and the collaboration of teachers: “we continue to see youth choosing to engage only sometimes and for some teachers”. I wonder if it is the characteristic traits the students bring to school that make them feel more comfortable with teachers, or if it is an environmental characteristic that the teacher can control to a certain degree to make the students feel that they can always be engaged with the teachers and their peers in the classroom.
Elizabeth Griffin
Comments (4)
Elizabeth,
While we are constantly encouraged to provide student-centered learning in our classrooms, we as teachers are still vitally important in the learning process. Ours is a daunting task. In addition to guiding learning, we also set the tone for everything that takes place in our classrooms. By being willing to offer all students opportunities to deal with difficult subjects, we become teachers who make it worthwile for students to engage in the learning process.
Posted by Lisa Rasey | February 14, 2009 8:34 PM
Posted on February 14, 2009 20:34
I also enjoyed how Hinchman started the article with a quote from a young student. It shows how centered she is on the students and how qualitative research is really all about them. Isn't the student why WE'RE here, too? It only makes sense for the article to start with this thought and show throughout that it is student-centered.
Posted by Christy Rivers | February 15, 2009 4:52 PM
Posted on February 15, 2009 16:52
“we continue to see youth choosing to engage only sometimes and for some teachers”
With regards to your questions and analysis of this quote, I think that it is probably a little of both. There are teachers who do not create an open, supportive environment for their learners, while there are students who come with personalities that better match with certain teachers. Each year, no matter your intentions, there are those children who simply connect better with you than others. Something about you and your personality captures their interest, and they will perform more for you than any other teacher. I definitely think this happens, but I think it is also a two-sided situation.
Posted by Brittany Guy | February 16, 2009 3:22 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 15:22
Elizabeth,
Your final question is actually qualitative in nature! How interesting it would be to conduct a research study regarding this phenomenon. It's not something that can be "measured" or "tested" with numbers, but a deep, contextual social situation that would take qualitative fieldwork to investigate. :)
Posted by Alecia Jackson | February 19, 2009 8:36 PM
Posted on February 19, 2009 20:36