Educational Research

What?
Descriptive Study is a research study that describes things as they are seen and observed. This is an effective study for finding information about the current state of things without any type of manipulation. Descriptive studies do not give reasons for why things are the way they are.
Correlational Study is a research study that explores the relationships between and among variables being studied. They do not however display the reasons why the relationship exists.
Experimental Studies are carried out by manipulating one of the factors or key variables in question to determine its possible effects on other variables. Conclusions from experimental studies can be drawn about cause-and-effect relationships.
Action research is done by an individual educator who is trying to address issues and probelms in their own schools and/or classrooms. The data applies to thier classroom and the individual almost exclusively due to the nature of the way the study is usually performed and manipulated.

So What?
By knowing the different kinds of educational research studies, as educators we can seek out results from studies already done and also perform our own studies in our schools and classrooms. By having knowledge about the methods themselves, we can better understand study information given and determine if the conclusions drawn are satisfactory and applicable to the situation. We can determine any faults that certain studies may have and be aware of the faults as we implement their data into our teaching styles and classrooms.

Now What?
I still need to gain experience with educational research, where to find it, and how best to use it. I would like to use educational research as a teacher to always critique my teaching abilities, to find answers for problems that I may come across with students, curriculum, and/or curriculum implementation. I would also like to be able to evaluate myself and students well enough that I can determine what changes I need to make according to the current situation.