Blog Post #2

 

One of my questions from last week was "What is a good way to measure my effectiveness in the program?" I work with students in a transition program for 18-22 year olds who have special needs.

If I approach this from as a Post Positivist  researcher I might look at data on students skill acquisition, grades, and levels of independence. I might site general observations about progress of the group of students as an average progression of skill and ability levels. I could make a generalized conclusion of my effectiveness over all. There could possibly be an outlier that nullifies my conclusion.

Using a Constructivist research approach I might study how well the students interact with each other, the staff, potential employers, and their families. I might look at their ability to self advocate, access resources, and their level of preparedness to enter the work force. I would examine them in different spaces and contexts. I would study their ability to transfer skills across contexts.

If I decided to approach this question from a Critical Theory perspective I might research what is most supportive for my students, what do I do that supports their personal growth? I would examine what effectively meets the person centered goals for each students and does not restrict their individual needs. I would assess if what I do helps the students and improves their lives, can what I do even the playing field for students with disabilities. I would examine my effectiveness through asocial justice lens.

After looking at the ways to approach research I align most with the Constructivist approach. I believe that looking at issues from a social perspective across contexts can give information that be built upon. Using qualitative data is taking a person centered approach that still includes solid information that can be measured and provide insight that can lead to next step conclusions.

For more types of research methods look at this link.