Gracia Jiménez, a Spanish researcher and advocate for evidence-based education, highlights the need for educational practices to be informed by scientific research. She emphasizes that many current methods lack scientific backing and are maintained due to tradition rather than effectiveness.
Jiménez points out that teachers often lack access to relevant research findings, creating a gap between research and practice. She also notes a common tendency to prioritize experience over research evidence, especially regarding long-standing practices. This includes examples such as methodologies surrounding multiple intelligences and ineffective articulation exercises for children.
Jiménez stresses that evidence-based education doesn't disregard teachers' experience but rather complements it with rigorous research. The ultimate goal is to improve educational outcomes by making informed decisions based on scientific evidence and careful consideration of various research methodologies.
The importance of establishing causal relationships through research is highlighted. While acknowledging the complexity of education with its multiple variables, Jiménez emphasizes the value of meta-analyses which synthesize multiple studies to draw broader conclusions.
The recent publication of a manifesto on evidence-based education in Spain seeks to establish clear concepts and prevent misinterpretations from the outset.