Jobs for Educational Researchers

The general task of educational researchers is to study teaching methods and strategies, how to identify those that are working as well as those that are not working and help to improve it. Educational researchers possibly work in one of several areas related to the scientific theory of teaching, or what is often called instructional theory, pedagogy or instructional design. Educational researchers who develop and test new teaching methods that schools can use are called instructional coordinators. They are most likely employed by school districts themselves. Other educational researchers participate in experiments in child psychology, education policy or the implementation and evaluation of new teaching methods through pilot programs.

Below are descriptions of the functions and responsibilities of educational researchers:

• Instructional coordinators. They are responsible for developing curricula and educating teachers on how to improve their teaching methods. Thus, they identify aspects of teaching methods that need to be fixed and design programs to improve it with the aid of the principles of developmental psychology, technology or social science research. This type of educational researchers do a considerable amount of research work and attend many conferences.

• Developmental Psychology Researchers. These educational researchers study the child developmental process, primarily on the aspect of how a child's mind acquires and stores new information. They use theories of child development to create and improve teaching methods as well as find treatments for mental illnesses. They are often connected to research projects at higher academic institutions.

• Education Policy Researchers. Most of education research studies how a public school system should ideally be financed and administrated. Educational researchers focusing on this area are called policy analysts. Policy analysts are also responsible for developing and promoting effective education policies based on existing academic knowledge. Educational researchers doing this area of research are often employees of policy institutes or research universities.