مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - TRANSLATING EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH FINDINGS INTO PRACTICE: A PERSPECTIVE FROM TURKISH TEACHERS

Abstract :

In this research, teachers’ opinions on transferring educational research finding into practice were investigated. With this overall aim, literature was reviewed and a form including open-ended question was formed, and given to the teachers. This study took place in 2011-2012 school year and consisted of 255 elementary school classroom teachers and 222 content area teachers. The data obtained from the teachers was analyzed using content analysis technique. The research findings revealed that the teachers believed that there was big gap research findings and educational practices in learning environments and a variety of perspectives belonging to the teachers appeared about how to close this gap between educational research finding and educational practices in learning environments. Additionally, the participants argued that there were some problems, which are caused by them and educational researchers. These problems may not allow transferring the educational research findings in to practice. By considering these research findings and literature about this topic, an educational model, which is based on collaboration process supported by research and practice, which explains how to close this gap between research findings and educational practices, was suggested. What’s more, some recommendations related to the research findings and based on the suggested model were given for future. It is expected that the research findings will contribute to all of stakeholders related to education and provide new insights into their perspectives.