Michelle J Searle, OCT, PhD

Rewards from thinking outside the box... are endless!

 

In an era of evidence-based practice, education is challenged to understand how data and evidence can be applied within the complex work of schooling. Historically, our profession has relied heavily on a quantitative evidence base. Qualitative methods provide another way to explore the complexity of human behavior and generate a deeper understanding of interactions and programs. This web resource explores the meaning of, advantages of, enactment of, and use of qualitative methods for decision-making.

 

Qualitative research is an intentional, systematic practice that can be contextually

responsive and used in continuous cycles. As a descriptive form of data, it values

the voiced experiences and diversity that arises from multiple perspectives.

 

Qualitative methods:

• Instigate opportunities for a range of data

• Promote a culture of reflective learning

• Generate meaningful practice

• Stimulate intellectual and social dialogue

• Construct new forms of knowledge

• Create the conditions for taking risks

 

Inquiry, research and evaluation all starts from a good question! In qualitative work, 

a "good" question is one that is open-ended, relevant to the inquiry, descriptive, draws

from what people know and provokes a response!

 

My three Ps of research questions:

Prepare questions in advance

Play with the questions

Persevere by revising and thinking about the questions