Sometimes We Act Like We Know Too Much

• In Event: To Know Is Not Enough: Commissioned Essay Writers—Monday (Coffee)

Abstract

Sometimes when I listen to faculty members or read peer‐reviewed articles, I think that we are our own worst enemy. Sometimes I think we know a bit too much but aren’t very good at communicating this knowledge or perhaps are afraid to see how our ideas will be vetted in the larger public arena. In this essay, I write about two problems that I see in educational research and with educational researchers. First, many educational researchers have an inability to communicate with non‐academics due to our steadfast commitment to education‐ease and academic jargon. Second, many researchers don’t speak out on important educational issues because of fear. My aim is to encourage educational researchers to write and speak clearly and to be brave in their commitment to making meaningful change in American education.

Author

• Marybeth Gasman, University of Pennsylvania