Educators are most likely to access research through blogs/news articles, journal articles, colleagues, and conferences, while vendors and podcast/radio shows are less frequently used, according to a survey by the Jefferson Education Exchange at the University of Virginia Curry School of Education. The center surveyed 1,334 educators from all 50 states and a variety of subject areas and grade levels to learn more about how they use education research; 89% work in preK-12 education.
Surveyed educators most frequently access research using online searches, with professional associations, social media, and journal subscriptions being the next most frequently used sources. When asked to rate the research they used, respondents expressed positive feelings about its usefulness, reliability, and relevance; but they were more ambivalent about its timeliness and how easy it is to find, understand, and transfer to practice. They said they most appreciate research that is accompanied by clear, explicit directions about how to apply it. They also expressed interest in research that is tailored to their contexts and in opportunities to discuss research with colleagues.
What topics are educators most interested in? The most frequently cited topic was pedagogical practices. Other popular topics were special education, social-emotional support and practices, student achievement, student engagement, diversity and inclusion, and the effect of technology on students.
Source: Barton, E.A. & Tindle, K. (2019, November). Educator voices on education research. Charlottesville, VA: University of Virginia Curry School of Education, Jefferson Education Exchange.
