Study learning dynamics through intensive, long-term, fine-grained repeated observation¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The article recommends that research into the dynamics of complex systems be conducted through 'intensive, long-term, fine-grained, and often-tedious examinations of agents and processes, usually with high-frequency repeated measures or observations'. Such research proceeds piecemeal, often needing many individual or small-sample studies before a critical mass of data is achieved, and the researcher may become part of the process under study.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Acceptance that researcher participation is inevitable and a necessary element of inquiry in studies of social systems
• Willingness to conduct studies more difficult to carry out than questionnaire-based probe-oriented studies

Constraints¶

• Research along linear-simplicity lines is typically seen as easier and as leading to more powerful and generalizable results, creating pressure against this approach

Target Learners¶

• educational researchers

Target Learning Goals¶

• gaining insight into the dynamics of learning processes in practice

Related Strategies¶

• Future creativity research should study moment-to-moment interactions and mechanisms connecting levels of creativity
• Develop a theoretically grounded data-granularity structure and stronger evaluation baselines, including meta-analysis-derived baselines

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Jörg, T., Davis, B. & Nickmans, G. (2007). Towards a new, complexity science of learning and education. Educational Research Review, 2(2), 145–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2007.09.002