Why Reading Educational Research can be a Challenge?

Reading educational research can be a challenge for many people, including educators, students, and researchers. While educational research can be incredibly informative and valuable for improving teaching practices and student outcomes, it can also be difficult to comprehend and navigate. In this article, we will explore some of the reasons why reading educational research can be a challenge and provide some tips for overcoming these difficulties.

Technical Jargon and Terminology:

One of the most significant challenges in reading educational research is the technical jargon and terminology used in academic writing. Many educational research articles are written in a highly specialized language that can be difficult for the average reader to understand. Researchers often use complex vocabulary and technical terms that are specific to the field of education. This can make it difficult to follow the main ideas and arguments of an article.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, it can be helpful to familiarize yourself with the technical vocabulary and terminology used in educational research. Consider starting with a general introduction to educational research, such as a textbook or introductory article, that can help you understand the basic concepts and language used in the field. You can also use online dictionaries or glossaries to look up unfamiliar terms as you read.

Statistical Analysis:

Another challenge in reading educational research is the use of statistical analysis. Many educational research studies involve analyzing large amounts of data using statistical methods. This can include regression analysis, t-tests, ANOVA, and other statistical techniques. Understanding these methods and their results can be difficult, especially for readers who do not have a background in statistics.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, consider taking a basic statistics course or finding resources online that can help you understand statistical analysis. Many research articles will also provide a summary of their statistical methods and results, so focus on understanding the main ideas and conclusions of the study rather than getting bogged down in the details of the statistical analysis.

Lengthy and Dense Articles:

Educational research articles can be lengthy and dense, with many technical details and complex arguments. This can make it difficult to stay engaged and focused while reading, especially if the topic is not of particular interest to the reader.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, try breaking the article down into smaller sections and reading a little bit at a time. You can also take notes as you read to help you stay focused and remember important details. If you find the article too dense, consider looking for a summary or review of the article that can provide a more accessible overview of the study's main ideas and findings.

Varying Quality of Research:

Not all educational research studies are created equal. Some studies may have flaws in their design or methodology, which can make it difficult to draw accurate conclusions or apply the findings to real-world situations. It can be challenging for readers to determine the quality and validity of a study, especially if they are not familiar with the field of educational research.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, it is important to be critical and evaluate the quality of the research you are reading. Look for studies that have been published in reputable academic journals and have undergone a peer-review process. Consider the study's research design, methodology, and sample size to determine the strength of the study's conclusions. You can also look for reviews or meta-analyses of studies that provide a broader perspective on the research in a particular area.

Lack of Practical Implications:

Educational research studies may be highly informative and valuable from an academic perspective, but they may not always have clear practical implications for educators or students. It can be challenging to read research articles that seem disconnected from the realities of the classroom.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, look for studies that have clear practical implications or recommendations for educators or students. Consider the study's findings and how they could be applied in a real-world context. You can also look for studies that focus on practical topics, such as classroom management, assessment, or instructional strategies, that have clear implications for teaching and learning. Additionally, consider reading articles that provide a synthesis of research in a particular area, such as a literature review, that can help bridge the gap between research and practice.

Limited Access to Research Articles:

Access to educational research articles can be limited, particularly for those who are not affiliated with academic institutions. Many research articles are published in academic journals that require a subscription or membership to access. This can make it difficult for educators or students who are interested in reading research articles but do not have access to these resources.

Solution: To overcome this challenge, consider using open-access resources, such as online databases or open-access journals, that provide free access to educational research articles. Many universities and libraries also offer access to academic journals and databases for free or for a nominal fee. Additionally, consider reaching out to colleagues or peers who may have access to academic resources and ask if they can share articles with you.

In conclusion, reading educational research can be a challenge due to technical jargon and terminology, statistical analysis, lengthy and dense articles, varying quality of research, lack of practical implications, and limited access to research articles. However, these challenges can be overcome by familiarizing oneself with the technical vocabulary and terminology, seeking resources to understand statistical analysis, breaking down articles into smaller sections, evaluating the quality of research, looking for studies with practical implications, and using open-access resources. By overcoming these challenges, readers can gain valuable insights into the field of education and improve their teaching practices and student outcomes.