Conference Introduction Mark A. Constas Cornell University Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness Invitational Conference December 10-12, 2006 Conference Introduction Mark A. Constas Cornell University
Overview Welcome Opening remarks Conference objectives and envisioned outcomes
Methodological Trends How has the field of educational research changed over the last twenty-five years? Is there hope?
Two studies Surface Indicators of Methodological Shifts in Education Research Study one: 1976-2000 Study two: 2000 vs. 2005
Study Number One Methodological Trends 1976-2000 Search Terms Hypotheses Random assignment/selection Statistics Experimental Qualitative Ethnographic Narrative Postmodern “Scientific” Descriptors Emergent Descriptors
Trends for “Scientific Descriptors Findings on number of articles
Trends for Emergent Descriptors Findings on number of articles
Study Number Two Methodological Trends: 2000 vs. 2005 Search Terms Hypotheses Random assignment/selection Quantitative Experimental Qualitative Ethnographic Narrative Postmodern “Scientific” Descriptors (Federal Priorities) Emergent Descriptors (Normative Discourse?)
Methodological Shifts: 2000 vs. 2005 Findings on number of articles
Conference Objectives & Outcomes Forum to discuss high quality research on educational effectiveness Characteristics of research that may be used to build better connections between credible causal inference in effective educational practice Further development of the society for Research on Educational Effectiveness
Final Note: Outcomes Make progress toward the goal of establishing a productive, cohesive community of researchers Receive input on how to direct our efforts in this next phase of the Society’s development Widen participation in the leadership of the organization