Reflection # 4(by Zulkardi)
One of the an example type 2 developmental research is study about a systematic and relational approach to obtaining curriculum consistency in corporate Education (Kessels, J.& Plomp.Tj. 1997). This study develop a prescriptive theory and validated design standards for curriculum design in corporate education. Factors in curriculum design that influence quality in corporate education are:
has related positively with program effetcs.
- Quality in corporate education is also depend on the organizational climate.
In order to validate quality of prototype Nieveen(1997) uses formative Curriculum Evaluation(is a systematically performed activities including preparation, data collection, data processing, and reporting) integrated in the curriculum development process. The concept of quality in Content of CASCADE is sub-divided into three aspects: 1) validity(components of the lesson materials are based on state-of-the art knowledge and all components are consistently linked to each other(internal consistency-Kessels & Plomp, 1997)); 2) practicality(characteristics of high-quality materials, this means that consistency exist between intended and operational curriculum; and 3) effectiveness(with effective lesson materials, consistency exist between the intended and experiential curriculum and between the intended and attained curriculum). The quality of user interface of CASCADE is user-friendly, learnability, satisfaction, memorability, free from errors, efficiency, and ease of use.
The primary strength of the qualitative approach is very flexibility(Marshall, C & Rossman, G., 1995). Due to some weakness, many researchers in qualitative study combines several data collections methods over the study. The researcher should determine the most practiced, efficient, feasible, and ethical methods for collecting data as the research progress. Researcher should show the capability of designing and selecting data collection methods that are appropriate, well thought out, and thorough. Research Question may change as the research progress, the methods may change or flexible.
In developmental research, to address the research question some steps should be followed. Starting from which data should be gathered using some methods either traditional measurement approach(test, ratings, frequencies) or investigate procedures(observation, interviews, case studies, and literature review). How to selecting the most appropriate information or evidence at the lowest cost is really important in collecting data. More over, attention should given to how that information could be analyzed, interpreted and reported so it is credible and useful for audience. From sourcebook(Brinkerhoff et.al, 1985) there are described some guides for collecting information, analyzing and interpreting information.
Collecting Information:
Depends on its possibility, availability, and what procedures are feasible.
It depends on the resources and type of information is needed. But usually it uses combination between quantitative and qualitative procedures.
Use sampling technique.
Instruments such as questionnaire, tests, checklist, etc. used for elicit and record information that are collected. It has to be carefully chosen or designed.
To be valid(truthful, genuine, and authentic data are) instrument must measure what they intend and claim to measure. To be reliability(accuracy of measures) should careful on design, do try-out, and revision of instruments and procedures.
Analyzing and Interpreting evaluation information
Analysis is the process of finding out what the information collected by the evaluation means. The purpose of it to summarize from the data the messages it contains in order to bring this information to bear on tentative conclusions.
By Coding system( numerical and literal )
Do data reducing(removed error) or verifications
Use cyclical process, analyze initial data- make conclusion on it, add more data-make conclusion, etc. As you move through this cycles, you learn and become more certain.
In order to bring meaning and decide on the significance and implications of what the data show, there are some referents, procedures, guidelines, and criteria can used for interpretation.