In an increasingly data-driven and competitive society, the public demands results from the educational system. For students to receive the best possible education, teachers and other education professionals must maintain the success of instructional strategies, curricula and classroom management systems. Teachers, administrators and school staff understand the importance of academic achievement. They must also acknowledge the value of research-based approaches to accelerate learning and the implementation of new ideas.
The following article explores how research informs curricula and instructional practices of educators. Graduates of the online Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction – General program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University gain these necessary curriculum and instruction skills for research-based strategies.
What Does “Research-Based” Mean?
According to a Reading Rockets article contributed by the National Institute for Literacy, scientifically based research gathers information about important questions, uses objective observation methods and applies intensive and structured procedures to evaluate the effectiveness of programs. The Reading Rockets article notes professionals in the field must consider three questions when weighing the scientific merits of a research process:
- Was the study published in a peer-reviewed journal or accepted by a panel of independent experts?
- Have other scientists replicated the same results?
- Is there consensus in the research community that many additional studies support the findings?
Instructional Strategies Founded in Research
The need for a common understanding and definition of research-based instructional strategies led McREL to conduct scientific research on the issue. The resulting book, Classroom Instruction That Works, identifies nine instructional strategies to help teachers improve student achievement across all content areas and grade levels. The nine strategies discussed in the book can be grouped into three components of instruction:
- Creating the environment for learning: Setting objectives and providing feedback provides direction for learning, acknowledges student interest and investment, and encourages students to complete assignments. Reinforcing effort and providing recognition demonstrates to students that effort, even without accomplishment, is worthy of recognition. Cooperative learning results in positive effects on learning.
- Helping students develop understanding: Cues and questions help students focus on what is important and prepare for learning. Nonlinguistic representations — such as models, symbols and physical movement — may be used to represent information in ways that increase brain activity. Summarizing and taking notes requires that students identify what is essential, recognize the structure in which information is presented and learn to paraphrase. Homework and practice allow students to extend learning and become more independent.
- Helping students extend and apply knowledge: Identifying similarities and differences, as is accomplished with Venn diagrams and charts, allows students to understand patterns and distinctions. Generating and testing hypotheses reduces student dependence on teachers.
It is proven that when used consistently, these instructional strategies improve students’ academic achievement at all grade levels.
How Research Informs Curricula
Research-based strategies are methods implemented during instruction or the way material is delivered to students. Curriculum is defined as the materials used and how the lesson is planned, designed and constructed. An evidence-based curriculum is another integral part of educational practices that promote reliable instruction practices and high student achievement.
According to The Wing Institute, selecting a curriculum to best meet the needs of students and teachers means meeting the following criteria:
- The scope and sequence of the materials align with grade-level standards and lead to increasing difficulty levels.
- Levels of competency are defined.
- The curriculum allows for high rates of student response and provides for corrective, supportive feedback and remediation.
- Formative assessments are specified and provided.
Importance of Research-based Education
Medical professionals cannot ignore the sound conclusions of drug testing or successful surgical practices when dealing with patient concerns and illnesses. Likewise, professional architects must apply the foundational principles of engineering when creating a design and subsequent building plans. Just because an artistic mind can imagine a beautiful and innovative building does not mean it will be fit to occupy.
The same applies to teaching. Despite the allure of seasonal or topical activities and units, teaching concepts and providing a positive learning environment are best accomplished with a base of sound, research-based practices. However, determining what is sound and research-based can be a complex process. Considering the easy access to online information that may or may not be credible, teachers must bear the responsibility to seek out information and practices that are truly research-based.
According to an article published in the “International Journal of Educational Research,” evidence-based teaching “…is not a cure-all solution or a simplistic recipe for the complexities of modern education. Instead, it’s a collection of principles and practices that can transform the ways in which educators approach education and make informed decisions based on evidence and expertise. By adopting evidence-based teaching methods, educators can enhance their teaching effectiveness, support their professional development, and promote positive student outcomes.”
Informed Teacher Training
Experienced teachers interested in developing their ability to separate valid research from useless fads or gimmicks can find answers in Southeastern’s online M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program. One of the core courses is Introduction to Educational Research, which explores research methodology and literature students need to solve educational problems and improve the learning process.
There are no substitutes for research-based strategies and curricula. Because student success is the goal of educators in every position and location, teachers must take the best information and present research-based materials.
Learn more about Southeastern’s online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – General program.