Reflections on EDLD 5301 Research, Week 2

After watching and listening to these two scholars that I selected for analysis from the Week Two Video Interviews are Dr. Johnny Briseno, Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD and Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD. I learned the value of performing qualitative research to become better acquainted with my students and with all the aspects of their lives as individuals that affect their performance in the learning environment. I was impressed that both of the scholars I chose to analyze for this assignment kept emphasizing qualitative research on students during their interviews. My natural tendency as a technologist is to primarily rely on quantitative data, which tells the story of what is known or what was accomplished using quantifiable metrics to determine performance and achievement. However, both of these gentlemen kept referencing the importance of qualitative data on their students, that is, knowing the student and their unique circumstances, situations and learning styles as related to performance in the learning environment. I found this concept to be particularly insightful as it is my natural tendency to deal with students and teachers in a more clinical manner; I often tend to overlook the personal side of the equation. These gentlemen kept referencing how many hours of sleep a particular student had, what their learning style was, their disposition and temperament and its impact on learning, and their background, all areas that require personal involvement, developing relationships with and listening to the learners, sources of vital information that you can’t obtain from analysis of reports and assessments alone.