Is our education system actually backed by research? | Matthew Courtney | TEDxGainesville

Summary

The video discusses the history and failure of the DARE program, emphasizing the disconnect between educational research and practice. It highlights the need for evidence-based education, urging educators to adopt research-driven methods to improve teaching. The speaker reflects on the barriers that prevent educators from accessing and applying research, and how a shift in professional responsibility can help bridge the gap. Drawing parallels to the medical profession, the video calls for a grassroots transformation in education where evidence shapes decision-making, leading to better outcomes for students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The DARE program, designed to prevent drug use in kids, was implemented widely but failed to show positive results, with some studies indicating it may have even increased substance use in some cases.
• 😀 Education research and practice in the United States have often functioned separately, creating a divide that hinders progress in applying research to real classroom challenges.
• 😀 The gap between education research and practice has existed since the early 1800s, when teaching and educational research were treated as distinct fields with little overlap.
• 😀 Teachers often lack the time, access to research, and training to effectively use research to inform their practices, leading to a reliance on outdated or unproven methods.
• 😀 Barriers to applying research in education include limited research funding, publication bias, and a disconnect between academia and practical teaching methods.
• 😀 Despite these barriers, there are examples of educators who have successfully applied research to solve real-world problems in their schools, improving outcomes for students.
• 😀 Evidence-based education can empower educators to make faster, more informed decisions that lead to lasting improvements in teaching and learning.
• 😀 Education reform should focus on individual responsibility, with educators taking ownership of using research to inform their decisions, rather than relying solely on systemic reforms or legislation.
• 😀 Just like the medical profession's transition to evidence-based practices, educators can adopt research-informed decision-making to improve education outcomes.
• 😀 Teachers, leaders, and researchers should collaborate more closely, with educators seeking connections with researchers and researchers attending practitioner-oriented events to ensure research is applied in real classrooms.
• 😀 Parents also have a role in advocating for teachers to be given the necessary resources and time to apply research to their educational practices, driving a more evidence-based system.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the DARE program as described in the transcript?

The DARE program primarily aimed to prevent kids from using drugs by educating them about the dangers of illicit substances and promoting a 'just say no' approach.

Why did the DARE program fail according to research mentioned in the script?

Research revealed that the DARE program did not prevent substance use in children. In fact, one study from 1998 showed that it might have increased substance use among some kids.

What does the speaker suggest is a fundamental issue with the education system in the U.S.?

The speaker highlights that education practice and research are treated as separate fields, leading to a disconnect between research findings and actual classroom practices.

How has the relationship between education practice and research evolved over time?

Initially, education practice and research were separate. Teachers were trained in normal schools, while researchers worked at universities. Over time, this separation grew, making it difficult to connect research with practical classroom instruction.

What are the three primary barriers preventing educators from using research in their practice?

The three barriers are time, access to research, and training. Teachers lack the time during the workday to engage with research, they often don't have access to relevant research, and they lack training on how to apply research findings to their practice.

What does the speaker suggest as a solution to overcome these barriers?

The speaker suggests empowering teachers by providing them with time, access to research, and proper training to apply research findings in their classrooms, thereby creating a more evidence-informed education system.

How does the speaker compare the education field to the medical profession?

The speaker compares education to medicine, noting that medicine underwent a transformation in the 20th century, moving towards evidence-based practices. The speaker believes that education can undergo a similar transformation by adopting research-based decision-making.

What role does the speaker envision for teachers, principals, and researchers in creating an evidence-based education system?

Teachers should take personal responsibility for using research in their classrooms. Principals should help overcome access barriers and foster partnerships with researchers. Researchers should attend practitioner-oriented events and collaborate with educators to apply research in real-world contexts.

What example does the speaker give to demonstrate how research can lead to positive changes in education?

The speaker provides the example of a transportation director who used research on the prosecution of illegal school bus passes to change local policy and improve student safety. This shows how research can lead to practical improvements.

What is the speaker's overall message regarding the future of education?

The speaker advocates for a future where education decisions are based on sound research rather than intuition, emphasizing that each educator can contribute to making this a reality through individual commitment to evidence-based practices.