ES 1.2 - Task 2: Educational Research

● Why do we do research in the field of education?

Educational research is used to solve challenges and advance knowledge in pedagogy, learner-motivation, development, and classroom management, while improving teaching and learning practices. Educational research provides indeed answers to practical educational challenges using scientific methods and improves teaching and learning techniques by providing data to help instructors teach and lead more strategically and effectively. The ultimate aim of such a science is to provide knowledge that will enable educators to achieve their goals through the most effective methods. Educational research finally helps students apply their knowledge to practical situations.

● Do you think all teachers should be researchers? Why or why not?

Yes, I think teachers should also be researchers, or at least gain experience in research, for example during their studies. Researching, in fact, will help them understand and improve situations in the classroom that otherwise they would not be able to deal with as properly. For example, it would be very useful to have prior knowledge on psychology when dealing with students who have mental health issues and cannot afford or do not want to try therapy. In such cases, teachers can be a great source of support for these students and perhaps, as a consequence, for the whole class, the other teachers, and the families.

● Would you like to become a teacher-researcher? Why or why not? I would like to become a teacher-researcher in the field of psychology, for the same reason that I mentioned above: to be able to understand and deal with situations properly, especially when adolescents are involved. This is because teenagers tend to behave in ways that are not always easily understandable, if not by experts in the field of psychology and education. Moreover, due to their physical, cognitive and identity development, adolescents often experience mood-swings and mental health issues and therefore need as much support as possible. This kind of support cannot be provided if not by experts in the field, as teenagers are particularly vulnerable and saying something wrong —even if involuntarily, while trying to help— could actually make them feel worse. For this reason, before my teaching career begins, I aim to gain experience in educational research, with special focus on psychology.