Do schools need pedagogical research?

Contents:

• Different schools have different needs
• Do practitioners turn to science now?
• What hinders cooperation between schools and scientists?

At the end of October, the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education held the XX international scientific and practical conference of young education researchers on the topic "Research that improves education". Over the course of two days, the conference featured researchers and practitioners discussing current issues in pedagogy, psychology, and other educational sciences, as well as the impact of modern research on the development of education. The event culminated in a roundtable discussion with school leaders on the topic "Researchers and Practitioners: What Research Does a Modern School Need?" In this report, you will be able to learn about the key moments of the conference, the topics discussed and the conclusions that can influence the future of education.

• Does a school need research at all to teach properly?
• Why should every teacher be a bit of a researcher themselves?
• What questions do schools expect from scientists?
• Where do practitioners look for answers to their questions today, if not in research?
• What is missing to make research useful for schools?
• Should we expect interest in research from teachers who are already short of time for anything else?

Different schools have different needs.

Arkady Margolis, Rector of Moscow State Pedagogical University, moderating the discussion, reminded the participants about holding a similar round table at last year's conference of young education researchers. Then, school principals expressed the opinion that scientists were not addressing issues that were sufficiently relevant to educational practice. Therefore, a new discussion began with a question for colleagues about which topics and aspects of school life require research and whether such research is truly necessary.

During the discussion, it became clear that participants had different expectations of science. Here are the main opinions expressed.

Leonid Naumov, Chairman of the Governing Council of School No. 1505 "Preobrazhenskaya," noted in his speech that in his 35 years of working at the educational institution, he had never needed the results of pedagogical research to make decisions. He mentioned that he sometimes used scientific findings to verify his own ideas or to justify decisions already made. However, according to Naumov, he had never had to turn to scientific data to solve complex practical issues. This highlights the need for a closer connection between research and practice in education, so that the results of educational research become useful tools for teachers and administrators.

Naumov believes that the work of a teacher is a craft, not a strictly regulated profession. He argues that "the school of the 20th century was a manufactory, in which people performed manual labor under the guidance of industrial-era managers." A teacher's results depend largely on their personal experience, while the educational community is often dominated by restrictions based on the principle of "this is how we do things." This is reminiscent of the structure of medieval artisan guilds, where traditions and customs played a key role in shaping approaches to teaching.

Leonid Naumov emphasizes that the process of conducting research itself is significant for teachers, even if the results may vary. Research helps teachers deepen their knowledge and develop professional skills, which ultimately contributes to improving the quality of education.

Teachers, like leaders, need experience working in a research-based position. This requires the ability to analyze their work, assessing it from an external perspective, and employing observation and experimentation. This approach promotes professional development. Naumov noted the importance of supporting our school's teachers in defending dissertations on various topics, regardless of the potential for practical application of their findings. This underscores the significance of a scientific approach in the educational process and its impact on improving the quality of education.

Alexander Leontovich, Director of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Gymnasium, expressed support for this position. He noted that the development of research competencies is a key tool for the professional growth of teachers.

The director of the University Gymnasium at Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov manages the educational process, ensuring a high level of academic preparation and comprehensive development of students. The primary focus is on implementing modern educational technologies, organizing research activities, and creating a comfortable learning environment. The school's management is aimed at developing critical thinking, creativity, and leadership skills in students. The director actively interacts with teachers, parents, and students, which contributes to the creation of a cohesive educational community.

Oleksandr Leontovych's YouTube channel offers a variety of content covering various topics and interests. Here you will find engaging videos that will help you expand your knowledge and develop your skills. Subscribe to the channel to stay up-to-date with new releases and current trends. The channel's content is aimed at a wide audience and offers interesting ideas for discussion and implementation in everyday life.

Modern teachers lack effective tools for researching the children they teach. Teachers may intuitively sense that some students are experiencing difficulties, but they are not always able to see the full picture of the causes and potential consequences of certain psychophysiological conditions. Teachers often don't realize how much time children spend on homework and what influences their motivation. Developing a culture of psychological research is one of the key tasks for enhancing teachers' overall professional competence. A better understanding of the psychological aspects of learning will help create a more effective educational environment and promote the successful development of each student. Numerous institutes, universities, and research centers study psychological and pedagogical issues, as well as the sociology and economics of education. However, the question arises: to what extent are the results of their work of interest to practitioners? While many participants in the discussion agree that educational research is important, they emphasize that this data is needed not so much by teachers as by administrators. Educational management requires up-to-date information and scientific findings to make informed decisions and improve the quality of education. Leonid Naumov identifies an important divide between teachers and educational management. From his perspective, a teacher is a craftsman, while school management operates within the framework of the industrial era. Effective management decisions in the education system—whether at the regional or national level—require a scientific foundation. This requires mechanisms for tracking the application of scientific discoveries, as well as the results of these applications. Clearly defined goals, objectives, and measurable indicators are essential, allowing for a deeper understanding of the conditions in which the educational process takes place.

Alexey Golubitsky, Director of the School of the Future in Isakovo, Kaliningrad Oblast, emphasizes the importance of research in the educational environment, especially in regions with limited resources. He notes that in such conditions, schools do not have the opportunity to spend a long time searching for optimal management solutions. Using his school as an example, Golubitsky demonstrates how research can be significantly beneficial, contributing to more effective management and the implementation of innovative practices in the educational process. Research helps identify the needs of students and teachers and find better approaches to teaching, which is especially important in resource-poor settings.

• School audits. This shouldn't be a comprehensive review by a top-tier consulting firm. An outside perspective is needed to identify critical issues and strengths.
• Assessments of the impact of educational institutions on the community and surrounding city. It is known, for example, that sometimes a good school increases the value of nearby real estate. However, such studies are still scarce.
• Interdisciplinary assessments of textbooks at the intersection of neuroscience and pedagogy to determine how students interact with the materials, whether the texts and illustrations are conveniently arranged, and whether the format facilitates knowledge acquisition.
• Evaluations of the effectiveness of technological solutions. As a rule, Golubitsky lamented, companies that offer digital learning tools do not provide any evidence of the benefit of their developments for educational outcomes. Their main argument is often usability, while learning benefits are overlooked.

Dmitry Fishbein, Director of the Higher School of Economics Lyceum, shared his requirements for researchers. He emphasized the need for in-depth data analysis, as well as the importance of using innovative methods in research. Fishbein noted that researchers must be prepared for an interdisciplinary approach and consider current trends in education and science. These requirements are intended to improve the quality of research and make it more relevant to current educational realities.

• School processes and teams must be adapted to conduct research, or more precisely, to collect and analyze data. Teachers and administrators must learn this, and this is a joint task for researchers and practitioners. Without completing it, it is impossible to understand which scientific findings are applicable to a particular school, Fishbein emphasized.

The Director of the Higher School of Economics Lyceum is responsible for the strategic management of the educational institution, which offers in-depth education and training of highly qualified specialists. His responsibilities include coordinating the educational process, managing the teaching staff, and developing a curriculum that meets the current demands of the labor market. The director actively collaborates with parents, students, and external partners to ensure a high level of educational services and the successful implementation of the curriculum. He also monitors educational innovations and implements them into the lyceum's practices, which contributes to the creation of a comfortable and productive educational environment.

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Photo: HSE website.

The specific nature of the student population at educational institutions plays an important role in shaping their unique experience. Applying universal theses about children or assessing their level of computer literacy is not always appropriate. For example, even if we compare the Higher School of Economics Lyceum and the Letovo School, which may have similar students, we will see completely different results and approaches to teaching. This emphasizes that each educational environment is individual and requires its own analysis and understanding.

• New tools are needed to assess the extracurricular component—the social well-being and well-being of children. Classic surveys, according to Fishbein, only provide socially expected answers.
• In a situation of competition with other forms of education, schools need practical research on marketing and PR in the educational sphere. This is so that we can understand how a principal can figure out, say, why the neighboring school has six first-grade classes, but no one comes to him, and rectify the situation.
• We also need to discuss, including in a scientific context, how to conduct mandatory educational research for high school students. How should these projects be structured, who and how develops students' research competencies, and how do teachers prepare for this?

Directors of educational institutions often focus on practical and highly specialized topics. However, Mikhail Mokrinsky, director of the Letovo boarding school, expressed a more open stance toward science. He noted that it is crucial for teachers and administrators to have access to diverse research. This opens up opportunities for practitioners, through their own creative exploration, to discover something valuable and relevant to their work in science. A wide range of scientific topics contributes to innovation in education and improving the quality of teaching.

The Director of the Letovo boarding school is responsible for the strategic leadership and organization of the educational process in the educational institution. Letovo Boarding School offers a high level of education and comprehensive development for students, combining academic knowledge with additional programs. The director ensures compliance with educational standards and the implementation of innovative teaching methods, which contributes to the development of successful and well-rounded individuals. The director's important responsibilities include managing the teaching staff, working with parents, and creating a comfortable and safe environment for students. Under the director's leadership, Letovo Boarding School strives to create a unique educational environment where every student can realize their potential.

The photo is featured on the official Letovo School page on VKontakte.

Someone is doing significant work rethinking what is happening in the world. They are like a vacuum cleaner, collecting methods that can be adapted from one reality to another. This person acts as a methodologist-analyst, striving to classify and categorize new ideas. His intellectual research work significantly enriches your activities and inspires you to do your own research.

Director of the University Gymnasium of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov.

Alexander Leontovich's YouTube channel offers a variety of content covering current topics and interesting ideas. Here you'll find videos that will help you learn more about various aspects of life, development, and education. Alexandra Leontovych shares her knowledge and experience, creating accessible and informative materials for a wide audience. By subscribing to the channel, you can follow new episodes and never miss important updates. Join the community of viewers and expand your horizons with Alexandra Leontovych.

Today's teachers need effective tools for researching and analyzing the children they teach. Teachers may intuitively sense that some students are experiencing difficulties, but they often lack a complete picture of the causes and consequences of various psychophysiological conditions. Teachers don't always realize how much time children spend on homework, nor do they understand what influences their motivation and learning process. Improving the culture of psychological research in the educational environment is becoming a key task for enhancing the professional competence of teachers. This will allow not only to better understand students, but also to adapt teaching methods, taking into account the individual characteristics of each child.

The Director of the Lyceum of the Higher School of Economics plays a key role in the educational process and management of the educational institution. His responsibilities include developing development strategies, organizing the educational process, and interacting with teachers, students, and parents. The director fosters a high-quality educational environment oriented toward modern requirements and standards. The Higher School of Economics is renowned for its high level of specialist training, and the Lyceum Director makes a significant contribution to the development of the curriculum, ensuring that educational practices align with current trends in economics and management. High-quality leadership enables Lyceum graduates to successfully continue their education at universities and build careers in various fields.

Photo courtesy of HSE University.

The specific nature of the student population plays a significant role in the development of their skills and abilities. Applying general theses and conclusions about children, such as their computer literacy, can be difficult. For example, even if we consider the Higher School of Economics Lyceum and Letovo School, which may seem similar in terms of their student population, we can observe different results and unique stories. This emphasizes the importance of an individual approach to each educational institution and its students.

The Director of the Letovo Boarding School is responsible for organizing the educational process, developing the curriculum and managing the teaching staff. He ensures a high level of education and upbringing, creating favorable conditions for the comprehensive development of students. The principal's key responsibilities include implementing innovative methods, maintaining discipline, and actively engaging with parents. The principal is also responsible for strategic planning aimed at enhancing the school's competitiveness and achieving high educational results. Letovo Boarding School strives to create a comfortable and safe learning environment, which is undoubtedly a priority for its management. Letovo School is actively represented on its official VKontakte page. Here, you can find up-to-date information about events, news, and the school's achievements. By subscribing to the page, you can follow updates, receive information about competitions and projects, and view photos and videos that reflect the life of the school and its students. The official page is an important communication channel for parents, students, and anyone interested in the educational process, providing an opportunity to stay informed about all the school's events and innovations.

Someone is doing a significant job of rethinking everything that happens in the world. They are like a "vacuum cleaner" collecting methods that can be adapted from one reality to another. This person acts as a methodologist and analyst, seeking to classify and typify new ideas. Thanks to their intellectual research, your own creative process receives a powerful impetus and inspiration for conducting your own research. Such work not only enriches your understanding but also opens new horizons for analysis and interpretation.

Are practitioners turning to science now?

During the following discussion, moderator Arkady Margolis offered school leaders a hypothetical situation. Suppose they decide to open a kindergarten in their institution. Today, there is a much greater variety of programs for preschool education than for the primary and secondary levels. In this regard, will directors pay attention to scientific justification and experimental evidence of the effectiveness of the chosen program? This is an important question, since it is precisely this kind of evidence that can confirm that the program really works, Margolis emphasized.

The Rector of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MSUPE) plays a key role in managing the educational process and scientific activities of the university. He is responsible for strategic planning, curriculum development, and ensuring high quality education. The rector also actively engages with faculty, students, and external organizations, promoting the integration of theory and practice. An important task for the rector is to strengthen research and implement innovative teaching methods, making MSUPE one of the leading institutions in the fields of psychology and pedagogy in Russia.

Photo courtesy of Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.

Best practices in any field should be based on in-depth empirical research that meets rigorous evidence-based standards. Otherwise, all discussions about the advantages of one program over another boil down to empty sound bites and competition to see who can voice their opinion louder. Effective methods and recommendations must be supported by real data and results to truly deliver benefits and improve the quality of work.

Leonid Naumov noted that the example given by the moderator has practical significance. School No. 1505 has six kindergartens, each with its own unique curriculum. Naumov does not believe it is possible to unify them under a single educational program. Therefore, the choice of program is based not on scientific data, but on the decision of the team.

The majority of participants were unanimous on this point. Mikhail Mokrinsky noted that in addition to the preferences of teachers, other important factors should be considered, such as the presence of groups within the children's group that require a special approach. The priority factor for program selection is determined depending on the specific situation. It is important that the team implementing this program rely on its preferred pedagogical model. Mokrinsky emphasized that if this model promotes more effective work, allowing "less sleep and more accomplishment," then it should be used as a foundation.

Alexander Leontovich noted that having a program with proven results is a critical element in pedagogical work. However, he emphasized that the personal factor also plays a significant role. "A well-designed program in one context may be ineffective in another," he noted, adding that the success of implementation depends on the "spark of madness" in the teacher's eyes and their level of involvement in the process.

Dmitry Fishbein defended the objective results of the research, agreeing with his colleagues that the subjective preferences of teachers play a key role. However, he emphasized that the HSE Lyceum has a practice of "problematizing" the opinions of colleagues, which implies setting limits on the school's overall position. If a school adheres to a unified position according to which the methods used must be supported by research, all teachers follow this principle.

Alexey Golubitsky, who previously expressed concern about the insufficient attention of EdTech solution developers to the scientific verification of their products, recalled the importance of teacher academic autonomy. Every teacher has the right to independently choose the teaching and methodological complex for their work. He illustrated how teachers implement this right and how schools of the future make decisions about the choice of educational programs, presenting the corresponding algorithm.

The director of the School of the Future in Isakovo, Kaliningrad Region, plays a key role in shaping the educational environment and introducing innovative approaches. The director's job is to create a modern learning environment that meets the demands of the times and the needs of students. It is important that the director actively engages in the development of curricula, the implementation of technologies, and the professional development of the teaching staff. The School of the Future strives to provide a high-quality education that will prepare students for the challenges of the modern world and enable them to be competitive in the labor market. Interaction with parents and the local community is also an important part of the director's job, as it contributes to the creation of a unified educational environment and maintains a high level of trust in the educational institution.

Photo: Alexey Golubitsky's page on VKontakte.

When an interesting proposal arises, the first thing I ask is: "Do you have confirmed data on a significant impact on academic results?" If there is no such data, I clarify: "Where has this method already been used?" We visit the site, communicate with colleagues in a research format, ask additional questions, and draw conclusions. If we still have doubts, we can test the methodology on a small group of schoolchildren, for example, in one class, to evaluate its effectiveness.

The rector of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education (MGPPU) heads an educational institution that plays a key role in training specialists in the field of psychology and pedagogy. The rector's primary responsibility is to ensure a high level of education, implement modern educational technologies, and develop scientific research at the university. The rector also actively participates in shaping the university's development strategies and establishing partnerships with other educational and scientific institutions. An important aspect of the rector's work is creating a comfortable and productive learning environment for students and faculty.

Photo provided on the website of the Moscow State University of Psychology and Education. The university offers a variety of programs in psychology and pedagogy, making it one of the leading educational institutions in its field. Here, students can receive a high-quality education based on modern methods and research, as well as develop the practical skills necessary for a successful career in psychology and pedagogy.

Best practices, as discussed, must be based on rigorous empirical research and rigorous design that meets the requirements of an evidence-based approach. Otherwise, they represent merely a competition to see who can loudly proclaim the benefits of their program. Without scientific substantiation, such claims lose their value and credibility. Therefore, it is important to rely on data and research to determine which program truly excels.

The director of the School of the Future in Isakovo, Kaliningrad Region, plays a key role in shaping the educational process. He is responsible for the implementation of innovative teaching methods and the development of educational infrastructure. The principal's key responsibilities include creating a comfortable and safe environment for students and attracting qualified teachers. The principal actively engages with parents and the local community, which helps strengthen the educational process and improve the quality of instruction. In a rapidly changing world, the principal strives to integrate modern technologies into the educational process, thereby ensuring the educational institution's relevance and competitiveness.

Alexey Golubitsky is a well-known personality on social media. His VKontakte page attracts users thanks to interesting content and active interaction with subscribers. On his personal page, you can find a variety of photos, updates on his activities, as well as the author's thoughts and ideas. Alexey Golubitsky shares his hobbies and outlook on life, which makes his profile interesting to a wide audience. Subscribers appreciate his candor and creative approach to content creation.

When receiving an interesting proposal, my first question is always: "Is there confirmed data on a significant impact on academic results?" If such data is unavailable, I ask the following question: "Where has this method been used before?" We visit the site, adopt a research stance, communicate with colleagues, ask clarifying questions, and draw conclusions. If we have any doubts, we typically conduct a pilot study on a small group of students, for example, in a single class, to evaluate the method's effectiveness.

What hinders collaboration between schools and scientists

At the end of the discussion, Margolis asked school leaders to explain what factors hinder the implementation of research results in the educational process. The main barriers faced by institutions are listed below.

Oleksandr Leontovych emphasizes that the existing problem is largely related to shortcomings in pedagogical education. In his opinion, the research culture is much weaker in pedagogical universities than in classical universities. This leads to teachers showing no interest in the research results of their colleagues and not striving to take a research position, nor do they teach this to students. It is important to improve the quality of pedagogical training so that future teachers can actively participate in research and apply its results in practice.

Graduates of pedagogical universities often lack sufficient research competence. This leads to them being unable to effectively manage school research. As a result, there is a tendency toward mass writing of essays as part of individual projects. A lack of research skills limits students' ability to develop critical thinking and independence, which negatively impacts the educational process. To improve the situation, it is necessary to introduce practical courses and training aimed at developing research skills in future teachers. Leontovich noted that developing research competencies in teachers is currently perceived as a hobby, as existing criteria for assessing school effectiveness do not take into account the implementation of new teaching methods. Professional development is often formal in nature and does not lead to real changes in the educational process. According to Leontovich, the approach to assessing teachers' performance must be changed, incorporating indicators such as the development of universal learning activities in students. Furthermore, he believes that schools where teachers actively develop their research skills and achieve significant learning results should become platforms for professional development. This will create a more effective educational environment and improve the quality of education.

Leonid Naumov argues that teachers are uninterested in scientific research due to its shortcomings in both format and content. In his opinion, practical recommendations for teachers on how to interact with parents and the school's social environment would be truly useful. Every year, the same teacher receives children with different family circumstances and different parental attitudes. Furthermore, Naumov believes that research is needed that takes into account the needs of experienced teachers. These studies can significantly improve the quality of the educational process and help teachers cope more effectively with the variety of situations their students find themselves in.

The Chairman of the Governing Council of School No. 1505 "Preobrazhenskaya" manages and coordinates all processes related to the management of the educational institution. His responsibilities include developing the educational program, improving the quality of education, and interacting with parents and teaching staff. The chairman plays a key role in shaping the school's development strategy, ensuring compliance with modern educational standards and requirements. His activities are aimed at creating a safe and comfortable educational environment in which every student can achieve their potential.

Photo courtesy of Moscow State University of Psychology and Education.

There is a significant generation of teachers capable of learning and adapting. These educators began their careers in the Soviet education system, survived the changes of the 1990s and 2000s, and continue to work successfully in today's environment. If they had not achieved success, they would have left educational institutions. I believe that educational research should focus on this generation, taking into account their professional experience and solving the current problems they face.

Alexey Golubitsky emphasized that one of the reasons for the gap between science and practice is the insufficient motivation of researchers to implement their findings in the educational process. Most often, scientists seek to satisfy their scientific curiosity by studying the existing education system, but do not strive to change it. On the other hand, teachers also often show no interest in integrating scientific findings into their practical activities. This lack of interaction between science and educational practice hinders progressive change in the educational sphere and reduces the effectiveness of educational processes.

Most teachers do not need to conduct research in conditions of uncertainty and difficulties. They often intuitively try to find solutions. Unlike the medical field, where surgeons have their own statistics of failures, for teachers this "graveyard" is not so clearly visible. Mistakes and failures in education are less visible, which makes them difficult to analyze and understand.

According to Golubitsky, this leads to several problems in the educational sphere. First, teachers often lack sufficient knowledge of modern methods and scientific findings that could improve their teaching practice. Secondly, the education system is beginning to be shaped by potentially dangerous myths, which can negatively impact the quality of education and student development.

Mikhail Mokrinsky noted that in situations where a teacher lacks intuition to solve a complex problem, they may resort to a specific methodology instead of accessing a wide range of scientific research. However, this should not be confused with professionalism. According to Mokrinsky, for a teacher to effectively utilize the full range of scientific knowledge, it is necessary to formulate a high-level goal, such as improving student learning effectiveness.

In conclusion of the discussion, Alexander Leontovich emphasized that for most teachers, the main problem with scientific research is not a lack of motivation or interesting topics, but the inability to combine the workload with learning new things. "Unfortunately, our wonderful ideas are accessible only to 10% of the most passionate teachers who do not have significant social responsibilities. "Nevertheless, we must continue to develop in this direction," he concluded.

Reading is an important aspect of our lives, fostering the development of thinking and broadening our horizons. It helps deepen knowledge and improve skills needed in the modern world. Regularly reading books, articles, and other materials not only entertains but also educates, providing new ideas and perspectives. It's important to choose a variety of information sources to enrich your experience and increase your awareness. Invest time in reading, and you will see how it will positively impact your life and career.

• How to improve teacher education
• How to create innovations in education
• Why observations and experiments are more important than tests
• How to find and read research on education

The Chairman of the Governing Council of School No. 1505 "Preobrazhenskaya" plays a key role in the development of the educational process and the management of the institution. Their main responsibilities include ensuring high-quality education, coordinating the work of the teaching staff, and interacting with parents. Effective leadership creates a favorable environment for students, which contributes to their successful learning and development. It is important that the Chairman of the Governing Council actively participates in decision-making aimed at improving the infrastructure and educational programs, as well as supports initiatives that promote the professional growth of teachers. Thus, the work of the Chairman of the Governing Council directly impacts the school's reputation and the level of education provided to students.

Image: website of the Moscow State Psychological and Pedagogical University.

There is a generation of teachers capable of adapting and developing. These educators began their careers in the Soviet education system, survived the difficult 1990s, adapted to the changes of the 2000s, and continue their work to this day, demonstrating success. If they didn't achieve results, many of them would have left school long ago. Educational research should focus on understanding their professional experiences and addressing the challenges they face.