When I think of quantitative research within a school, I think of demographic information, state assessments and grades. The teaching and learning that goes on within a classroom is more qualitative in nature, because there are unique features or characteristics of the teacher’s instruction, the students and their work. I was able to conduct an action research project while taking Teacher as Researcher. The research required careful analysis of several sources of data from two subjects. I know replication is not a goal in qualitative research, but I don’t see how it could be replicated. When I think of the research that I conducted, I could not find two other students who are just like the subjects in my study. The students, their needs, their work and even my teaching could not be exactly replicated. I believe qualitative research is important because detailed research conducted by professionals can add essential information to our current ideas concerning education.
Carol Holt