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We certainly hope that you will enjoy reading our thoughts, ideas and insights into current issues in education in the field of research. Please feel free to post your comments - we would love to hear from you!



Tuesday, 17 January 2012

Creating Reseach Paradigm Questions - Have I done this correctly?

Hi Catherine,
It is hard to believe we are posting on Topic 2 and I feel a little worried that I might have missed the boat with my 3 different research paradigm questions.  I am going to include them in this blog so you can see where I am coming from and perhaps let me know if you think I am on the right track with my questions.  I think part of my insecurity is that these terms are "loaded" with quite a bit of unfamiliar language.  It usually takes a person to comment on my post to make me feel a little more confident about the questions/statements I discuss.  I find that as I journey through this course I can relate more and more to the students I work with each day, especially the ones that need a little validation that they are doing what is expected (I was going to say right but after some discussion in my section - being always right is not really important...) 

I have a keen section and many of us were quick to get our questions up in the discussion area tonight.  My game plan is to post early each week as I have no idea how the late "posters" keep their head above water when they log on and see 30-40 new posts each day!

Since I am surrounded by Mathematics each day I do hope to maintain a mathematical focus as our blogging continues.  Below are my research questions - do they sound ok?

Empirical-Analytical Paradigm:  In mathematics, how does the use of models (manipulatives) help support student understanding of curriculum outcomes?
Interpretive Research Paradigm:  In Mathematics, how do we move students forward to be able to explain their mental math thinking in words?
 
Critical Research Paradigm:  In mathematics, how can authentic learning experiences be used to teach problem solving?

I am currently working in a Grade 4 class (Hi Mrs. Baker's Class) where I collaborate nicely with the classroom teacher.  Tomorrow I am showing the students our blog page and asking them to help me establish our poll question for next week.  I am not sure what they will come up with but they are currently finishing up their Statistics and Probability unit and I am always looking for ways to connect math to "the real world."  I think the students think it is neat that I am going back to school, they like the idea that I am a student too!  I always tell them that even if I wasn't going back to school I think it is very important for me to learn something new everyday.
I can't wait to read what your thoughts and questions are for the week and I will reply to any comments you make in a post this way we keep the dialogue flowing. 
Thanks for the suggestion...
Until we chat again,
Sheila

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