Methods are the systematic ways we use to collect data. This section describes some common research methods and includes some arts-based approaches. As you plan your research, think about what methods will help you collect the data you need, and keep in mind that you will need time to develop and test your research tools. More information about tools for observations, interviews and questionnaires are included at the end of this chapter.
As a research method, observation has to do with taking regular and conscious notice of what goes on in teaching/learning activities or environments that are relevant to your research focus or question (Mills, 2000). You might use observation as a main method if your research purpose is to describe a situation.
Observation might also be used to find out about a situation before you narrow your research focus (Robson, 1993). For instance, in observing learners writing, a researcher might notice that they use various spelling strategies to identify how a word is spelled. These could lead to more focused observations and/or interviews about the strategies learners use or don't use, and which are most effective.
You might also use observations as a way to support or extend information you collect through other methods, such as interviews (Robson, 1993). For instance, if learners say they sound out unknown words, this could be supported, or not, by observing them. The observation could lead to further interviewing.
Heather Ward (2004) used observation as a method in her research about literacy learners' changing self-concept:
Once the project was underway, I took notes during and after sessions. I observed and noted responses to activities and changing ideas, concepts, and behaviours of both the project participants and me as the researcher. In observing, I drew from my training and experiences as an early childhood educator. I tried to describe what I saw without making inferences or drawing conclusions. I noted such things as body language, social interactions, whether affirming statements were used, the delivery or degree of comfort when speaking out in the group, the ability to offer new ideas, and participants' ability to speak to their own personal needs. (p. 106)