The experimental method–known to many scientists as the best scientific method out there. The experimental method is widely applauded for its ability to create the most accurate results in studies. But the method isn’t just for testing medicine anymore, researchers are now starting to take the experimental to the world of education. Why? Researchers found that simply using “hunches”, “guesses”, or whatever feels like the right way to teach, doesn’t always work. In order to improve our students’ performance, we need to support our teaching methods with data and hard evidence.
The Institution of Education Sciences has taken up the opportunity to test out the experimental method in the classroom. In fact, the institution has performed over 175 studies. These studies, based on the principles of the experimental method, use randomization to guarantee reliable outcomes. With the use of randomization, researchers are able to divide a group of volunteers into an “experimental therapy” group or the “standard therapy” group. By randomly assigning volunteers into groups, it eliminates the chance of there being a placebo effect.
Thanks to the incorporation of science into the education field, scientists have been able to make some interesting discoveries. For example, a new study found that a good set of class materials (textbooks, curriculum, homework) has a strong correlation with a student’s achievement. Researchers also discovered that advanced materials may be able to over ride the effects of a poor teacher.
Scientists are also able to find whether specific textbooks are effective on children. Another finding, also funded by the Institute of Education Sciences, noticed that a trending math book was farther more effective than it’s competitors. On the other hand, researchers found that a math-instruction program made no effect on a student’s achievement. Robert Slavin, a director of the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University, expresses his interest, “It’s fascinating what a secret this is.”
Unfortunately, researchers have found that teachers and educators go by what the latest hype in educating is, not what research has proven. Dr. Merlino, a researcher, describes his frustration, “A lot of districts go by the herd mentality.”
Just like the scientific method, more and more is being invested into the world of education. Education is growing with more innovative methods of teaching, learning, and technology.
Read more about this new research in education here.