CHARLES BEAMS spoke of Whole Language 2 to DAN TRIPLETT on 09-26-96
CB>DT>I am referring to qualitative research.  Educational research is 
CB>DT>changing and is no longer dominated by measurement, rationalized 
CB>DT>definition, variables, and empirical fact.
CB>And this is why you and I continue to disagree over whether any 
CB>decent research exists supporting whole language.  You believe that 
CB>if a teacher writes a book and says that process XYZ works, then it 
CB>must be so.  I only believe that the teacher *thinks* it is so.
I don't believe that at all.  I do believe that there is sufficient 
research evidence that is backed up by many studies regarding WL 
practices.  I do agree with Ron that scientifically acceptable practices 
must be present in any research project (as opposed to a hap-hazzard 
job) but I also firmly believe that qualitative research practices do 
meet scientific qualifications.  
CB>Surely you are aware of the placebo effect - what we want to be true 
CB>we make come true.  Personal bias is far too important an element in 
CB>the observational process to allow us to accept *any* research based 
CB>on casual observations.
Yes.....but you don't believe that such a "placebo effect" can account 
for _all_ research?  (Qualitative kind)  Also, when you say casual you 
almost suggest that such research is purposeless.  What about Margaret 
Mead?  Piaget?  
CB>My point, to be precise, is that educators *must* stop adopting new 
CB>teaching techniques on a large scale until they have been rigorously 
CB>tested under strict scientific rules.
I don't see how you would "rigorously" test under strict scientific 
rules the things of education.  Are you suggesting a school for guinea 
pigs where we try out learning formula "A" and another school for 
formula "B" ?  
Besides Charles, if you would read any of the material I have cited, you 
would find ample studies that support the claims of researchers.  Why 
bother with more studies when we have the data now?
One last thing...have you read or heard about the book _The_ 
_Manufactured_ _Crisis_ by David Berliner and Bruce Briddle?  We could 
have fun with it for hours .  
Dan 
CMPQwk 1.42 445p
... If you just have to have the last word, make it Good-Bye!
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