Browsing by Subject "School-to-Prison Pipeline (SPP)"
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Item Beyond a number, improving educational practices by being love(2022-07-01) Flaherty, Maeve Virginia; Brown, Anthony L. (Associate professor)ABSTRACT “Research is formalized curiosity, it is poking and prying with a purpose.” - Zora Neale Hurston This thesis addresses the intersection of qualitative research and restorative practices as the crux of educational research. Education is an integral aspect of every society and in order to continue to develop knowledge and advancement within a society, educational research must be viewed as the ultimate priority. Educational research is vital to the ongoing development of culturally responsive pedagogy and the advancement of public policy. Educational research investigates challenges in education by applying empirical methods to presented challenges. Empirical methods simply refer to the gathering of data using only evidence that is observable by the senses. Empirical evidence is part of the rigorous scientific process that is required in order to gather and analyze data for problem-solving and knowledge advancement. The primary purpose of educational research is to build upon existing pedagogy by providing solutions to different problems in education while simultaneously improving teaching and learning practices. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are necessary for the advancement of educational research. Yet, it is critical to acknowledge that the appropriate method of research depends on the purpose of the study. And when it comes to the futures of children, who are routinely pushed away as other or deemed unfit by educational standards, the holistic purpose of the study must always make the case for qualitative research. There is a complementary nature of both methods and the case for continued advancement qualitative research is critical for growth of restorative justice, for humanity. Therefore, while both research approaches are value and complementary, this thesis will argue the critical importance of advancing qualitative research to expand restorative practices. Case studies and evaluations conducted in schools worldwide indicate that restorative practices improve relationships among students and teachers, reduce disciplinary problems and build community. This thesis will delve into the literature of restorative research then progress into the tensions between qualitative and quantitative research methods. The thesis will then examine a restorative justice case study which will lead to the final discussion on the intersection of qualitative research and restorative practices. The thesis will conclude with the critical importance of “being love” within education.