Teddy’s CTCH604 Reflection of Jason’s Reflection 04.05.2010

Posted by on April 5, 2010 
Filed under Reflections

Teddy’s CTCH604 Reflection on Jason’s Reflection 04.05.2010

 

Reflecting on Jason’s reflection posted April 04, 2010, I too have witnessed many reports of research projects that provided data of a one-sided nature. On many occasions, I have found myself floating breathlessly in my over-zealous attempt to report the facts.  As Jason reported, it could have resulted in a discreditable situation. I truly appreciate the fact that he took the time to re-evaluate his own evaluation of the article. Most of all, I was impressed by his honesty and willingness to make his re-evaluation public! A great attribute of a great SoTL student! Enthusiasm has often thrusted poorly documented projects into the hands of society, even those that were well intentioned inquiries. Easily, we can see how researchers might prefer to report data of successful experiences and leave out the negative stuff. But, SoTL is about accurate reporting of data as well as the sharing of responsible reporting.

 

We must set up check points for ourselves while conducting research that will help keep us grounded. Flawed reporting could have devastating effects on the SoTL movement and hamper efforts to obtain the support of political and academic leaders. Just like Institutional Review Boards, we must make every effort to protect out subjects, students, researchers and their institutions. SoTL work should accurately report all data, positive and negative, acquired during the research process. This is serious business and I feel that stated outcomes should reflect just that while keeping student related aspects as non-public. Our goal as researchers is not be selective information gatherers, but to present valid facts. Without accurate reporting, the SoTL mission would soon become one of unreliable fact finding. Careful appraisal of information is needed to ensure that others using this data are building on a firm foundation. Scholarly review is essential to the success of the SoTL project.

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