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2007 URO Spotlight: Brad Henry - Technical Education |
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Get Started! Participate! Undergraduate
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Brad Henry is a senior who has conducted research in his major, education, with Dr. Chris Zirkle. After graduation, he plans to continue his graduate education at The Ohio State University. What advice would you give to current undergraduates who want to get involved in research? Don't be afraid to ask for help. Look for grants- there is a lot of money out there that is not being used. Plan ahead. Take as many statistics and research courses "before" you begin your research. What specifically do you research? What projects are you currently working on? My area of expertise is in technology and development. I am focused on researching technology's role in pedagogical development on a global basis. Specifically, I am researching teachers’ self-efficacy and ability to use technology in assisting English as a Second Language (ESL) students in grades K-12 to pass the state-wide tests in Ohio. How did you find this research topic? I was looking for subject matter that somehow tied into a global education focus. While in the class "Introduction to the Exceptional Child," I was inspired by the special needs of ESL children. What were the benefits of participating in research? I feel my undergraduate research experiences have prepared me for additional research in graduate school. I was also lucky enough to be published as an undergrad in ESL magazine, which I feel adds credibility to my work. I am glad to experience all of the growth and development of research as an undergrad. The work that I continue with will clearly demonstrate a greater ability and understanding of how to conduct and report on research because of my past experiences. The exposure and added benefit of my work with the Ohio Department of Education has been a really enjoyable experience. I wanted to be sure that my work was of value and would not sit on a shelf somewhere. The research I am conducting will be evaluated and used beyond my findings, which puts a huge smile on my face.
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