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Place-Based Methods for Researching Schools: Connecting Contexts, Communities, and Classrooms

Ron Blair

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Published in Place Based Methods For Researching Schools (Bloomsbury Research Methods For Education)

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Place-based research is an approach to research that emphasizes the importance of location and context in understanding social phenomena. This approach has been increasingly used in the study of schools, as researchers have come to recognize the importance of the physical, social, and cultural context of schools in shaping their students' experiences and outcomes.

Place-based methods for researching schools can take a variety of forms. Some researchers use qualitative methods, such as ethnography and case study, to explore the lived experiences of students and teachers in particular schools and communities. Other researchers use quantitative methods, such as surveys and statistical analysis, to examine the relationship between school context and student outcomes. Still other researchers use mixed methods, combining qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between place and education.

Place-Based Methods for Researching Schools (Bloomsbury Research Methods for Education)

by Pat Thomson

5 out of 5

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No matter what methods they use, place-based researchers share a common commitment to understanding the unique ways in which schools are shaped by their surrounding communities. This commitment is reflected in the following principles of place-based research:

Start with the local context. Place-based research begins with a deep understanding of the local context in which a school is located. This includes the physical environment, the social and cultural makeup of the community, and the history of the school and its surrounding area.
Use multiple methods. Place-based research often uses a variety of methods to collect data about schools and their communities. This helps to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between place and education.
Involve community members. Place-based research involves community members in the research process. This helps to ensure that the research is relevant to the community and that its findings are used to improve the lives of local residents.
Disseminate findings back to the community. Place-based researchers share their findings back to the community in a variety of ways, such as through public presentations, community meetings, and reports. This helps to build trust between researchers and community members and to ensure that the research is used to improve the community.

Place-based research has a number of advantages over traditional research methods. First, place-based research provides a more holistic understanding of schools and their communities. By taking into account the physical, social, and cultural context of schools, place-based research can help researchers to understand how these factors shape students' experiences and outcomes.

Second, place-based research is more likely to be relevant to the needs of local communities. By involving community members in the research process, place-based researchers can ensure that their research is addressing the issues that are most important to the community.

Third, place-based research is more likely to lead to positive change. By building trust between researchers and community members, place-based research can create a foundation for collaboration and action. This can lead to the development of new programs and policies that improve the lives of students and families.

For all of these reasons, place-based research is a valuable tool for researchers who are interested in understanding schools and their communities. By using place-based methods, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between place and education, and they can use this understanding to improve the lives of students and families.

Here are some examples of place-based research methods that have been used to study schools:

Ethnography: Ethnography is a qualitative research method that involves observing and participating in the everyday life of a group of people. Ethnographic studies of schools have explored a variety of topics, such as the social dynamics of classrooms, the ways in which teachers and students interact, and the impact of school culture on student learning.
Case study: Case study is a qualitative research method that involves in-depth study of a particular case. Case studies of schools have explored a variety of topics, such as the impact of school leadership on student outcomes, the ways in which schools respond to diversity, and the challenges of school improvement.
Survey research: Survey research is a quantitative research method that involves collecting data from a sample of people using questionnaires or interviews. Survey research has been used to study a variety of topics related to schools, such as the relationship between school context and student outcomes, the impact of school climate on student learning, and the perceptions of parents and teachers about schools.
Statistical analysis: Statistical analysis is a quantitative research method that involves using statistical techniques to analyze data. Statistical analysis has been used to study a variety of topics related to schools, such as the relationship between school funding and student achievement, the impact of school size on student outcomes, and the distribution of resources across schools.
Mixed methods: Mixed methods research is a research design that combines qualitative and quantitative methods. Mixed methods studies of schools have explored a variety of topics, such as the impact of school reform on student learning, the ways in which schools engage with their communities, and the challenges of teacher retention.

The choice of research method depends on the specific research question being asked. However, all place-based research methods share a common goal: to understand the unique ways in which schools are shaped by their surrounding communities.

Place-based research is a valuable tool for researchers who are interested in understanding schools and their communities. By using place-based methods, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between place and education, and they can use this understanding to improve the lives of students and families.

Place-Based Methods for Researching Schools (Bloomsbury Research Methods for Education)

by Pat Thomson

5 out of 5