Webquest Step #3 - What? So What? Now What?

What?
Descriptive Study – Describes certain situations. It could be described as research studies that give information about the teachers, students, etc. This way, the can get a better idea on the way things are in the “current state of affairs.” It could also be said that this is some what of a statistical study.
Correlational Study – This is a type of research study that explores possible relationships among different things or subjects (different variables) This way, you can make predictions about one variable by knowing the status of the other.
Experimental Study – This is a more of a cause and effect study. It happens by taking one variable and manipulating it in such a way to see how it would react or have an effect on another variable.
Action Research - This is when a teacher or an educator undertake some type of research study to improve their teaching. This takes place in the actual classroom, though the research goes on in the background of the actual educational setting.

So what?
The only way to improve education, is to study it. As educators, we are teaching the future of our world. A world that is always evolving progressing in technology, etc. We must keep up with the changes in order to better server our students. As teachers, we must continue to educate ourselves. In order to do this, we must know what we are dealing with, a great way to do this is through research. Depending on what you are looking for specifically, might help you decide on which type of research to carry out. Each particular field of study brings something different to the table, you can stick to one particular type of research or colloborate them to tailor the research you want to do. Research is important no matter how you look at it, to better ourselves as educators to better serve the students we teach.

Now what?
I know that there is still much more that I need to learn about educational research. I feel like I have only touched the surface of what educational research has to offer. This section has opened up my eyes to the different types of research and which each particular method is used for. Using the research in my career would greatly benefit my skills and make me a better educator overall. I can greatly benefit from the research of others as I study and look for ways to better my teaching. Though, by actually doing the research myself, I could tailor the research to my specific needs and the specific situation that I am in. It would probably be more beneficial, if I did my own research.