Research Simulation

Before beginning my teaching career, I envisioned a specific classroom, set curriculum, and even the type of students I would be teaching. As I accepted a job with a public charter school, I soon realized that all of my preconceptions were seriously skewed. I now work as a Kindergarten teacher, certified in Direct Instruction (DI). This is a scripted-based curriculum for Math, Reading, and Language. While I have my own opinions on this type of curriculum, I set my research simulation on the research-based evidence. I hope to find out what studies and findings have been made regarding this type of curriculum based on comparing and contrasting with with other types of curriculum such as individualized learning. While I have previous experience with research simulations and conducting my own research in undergrad, this will be an entirely new experience for me as I am researching a topic that is extremely relevant to my own career. I wonder if any of my colleagues have picked a research simulation topic that also relates to their professional career or goals and what advice they have for staying objective in the process. It is my hope to learn more about this type of curriculum that will better my research skills as well as my professional career.