Step 3: Data Collection

Abstract

The team has selected one or several hypotheses and now needs to collect data for their research. The team should strive to make use of data that are already available within the school whenever possible. Teams make use of various kinds of data, including input data (data pertaining to how students enter the school, such as data about student characteristics or the elementary schools they came from), process data (data pertaining to the learning processes that occur within the school), and output data (all data about results for the school). Sometimes, it may not be possible to investigate a hypothesis using available data. The team will then have to collect new data. In these cases, we recommend making use of existing high-quality research instruments whenever possible. Before the team starts collecting the data, it is important first to discuss what data are needed, exactly (about what target group? on what aspect? covering how many years?), and how the team wants the data to be presented. Once it is clear what data need to be collected and how these data should be presented, the team will draw up a plan of action for data collection. This plan of action states who will do what, and when. In this chapter, the process of data collection is described, and various examples are provided.