Teaching Reflections

Module 1 Blog Post – Research in Education

February 6th, 2017

As a future teacher, being able to incorporate research into classroom learning is important when it comes to effective teaching. The purpose for research in education is to stimulate discussion in the classroom, challenge students’ assumptions and opinions, reaffirm connections, and raise new questions about the topic at hand. Research can also make and confirm sound decisions about the education activities and experiences that will best serve your students individual needs.

While providing and collecting research in order to effectively and successfully engage students’ learning, information literacy is also important when evaluating your students understanding of a subject as well as your teaching. Becoming a future educator, being able to incorporate information literacy into the classroom setting is essential for students’ learning of all levels and various backgrounds. “As teacher educators who teach literacy methods courses, we emphasize the importance of high-quality literacy instruction that meets the needs of all students from many different backgrounds in today’s classrooms.” (Brock, 2007, pg. 18). By understanding this concept, students will be able to make informed educational decisions about the specific topic, incorporate knowledge from the information found into his/her work, and be able to assess and evaluate the information accurately and effectively.

Although being able to find and apply research in the classroom is significant for a students understanding of learning; sharing and applying the research found is just as, if not more, important to great teaching. “The importance of assigning homework as a tool for practice continues to be debated at many levels of education.” (Young, 2016, pg. 1).

As a future physical education teacher, it is questioned as to “what homework do you give as a P.E. instructor?” “Do or will students even learn anything out of homework in this subject?” The importance of physical education and health as a secondary level student is necessary for each and every student. Just as math, science, or English, physical education plays just as an important role and combines knowledge of all different subjects so students benefit greatly. Young students living in society today, need to understand that staying healthy and having knowledge on health and fitness can not only benefit them, but their future generation as well. Letting students discover various types of research and different assignments individually and/or in small groups can benefit the students understanding on the topic greatly. As Simplicio stated, “Homework is
a time honored strategy for developing learning skills and reinforcing knowledge gained within the classroom.” (2005, pg. 1).

While obesity and various diseases are more common in today’s society, especially for the younger generation; and with technology playing the key role, being active and understanding how to stay healthy is major. Again, as many believe that physical education is not as important as core subjects such as math, English, science, reading, etc. research proves that by practicing homework in this subject can in turn practice positive, active behavior in a child’s physical activity. “In yet another study, which looked at using homework in a PE class, researchers found that physical educators typically saw increases in physical activity levels outside of school hours when homework was assigned.” (Burt, 2017, pg. 2).

Applying my knowledge on this topic and topics that I have recently learned about research and information literacy is essential to my future teaching and can benefit me greatly. I will be able to ensure that students understand the importance of not only homework, but how further research and studies can improve knowledge, the understanding, and mastery of a specific topic.

As research is the topic being discussed, I came across an interesting video by researcher Dr. John J. Ratey, MD and how he discusses exercise and physical activity. Not only is it good for a students’ brain, but it can improve a students learning and knowledge in other core subjects. Thought it be a great end watch to sum up this blog!

 

References

Brock, C. H., Lapp, D., Flood, J., Fisher, D., & Keonghee Tao, H. (2007). Does homework matter?. Urban Education, 42(4), 349-372.

Young, N., Dollman, m., & Angel, N. F. (2016). Does homework really matter for college students in quantitatively-based courses?. Journal Of Learning In Higher Education, 12(1), 19-26.

Simplicio, J. C. (2005). Homework in the 21st century: The antiquated and ineffectual implementation of a time honored educational strategy.  Education, 126(1), 138-142.

 

 

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