Is education research important?

‘It’s all a load of old waffle’ or words to that effect, according to a colleague with whom I was having a conversation about pedagogic research a couple of years ago. Although the comment was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, the sentiment is one that seems to be held fairly commonly by educators in STEM subjects both at university and school level. Why is this, and is it a problem?

… education research can provide a fresh perspective and new ideas to enliven teaching and enhance outcomes …

If you are an educator at school or university, the pressure to enhance teaching is relentless, and unlikely to abate. If those at the chalkface reject education research on the basis of misunderstanding its value, or are simply unaware of it as it is not communicated to them in a clear and accessible manner, then there is a big problem.

David Read discusses the pitfalls of scientific jargon in research, how education research has enriched his teaching, and considers the question: Is education research important?