How do you meet critical research? I find critical research fascinating. It has the ability to tackle an issue that may leave out certain populations, figure out who receives both harms and benefits, and then provide possible solutions. Once a critical perspective tackles the issue, the players can get back up and begin a new play--even back up and punt. Critical theory can give a researcher the tools to deconstruct a scenario and figure out the best way to proceed in order to ensure equity. Whew....that's a lot.
I have an aversion to this particular methodology simply because of the "heart" of this philosophy: critique. I think that so much of what we do as educators receives critique that I'm almost uncomfortable with initiating critique myself. Sure, I have issues with programs that I'd like to change, but do I really want to be THAT person? I could be.....a wise teacher once told me that I shouldn't complain unless I offer a solution to the problem that causes me to complain. Critical research surely supports her advice--a mantra that I've tried to adopt.
What research questions does a critical perspective open for you?
If I consider my role as a practitioner, I could use a critical perspective to answer the following questions:
- How can a school increase diversity in high-stakes, college-level courses?
- How can a school system increase diversity in gifted and talented programs?
- How can the gender of individual students effect performance in all boy or all girl settings?
- How can formative and summative teacher evaluation affect future teacher performance?
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