CHAPTER III
RESEARCH DESIGN
When a researcher wants to investigate a phenomenon or program, the real-life
context may be too complex for a quantitative survey or experimental strategy. Bromley
(1986) wrote that qualitative research designs, “get as close to the subject of interest as
they possibly can, partly by their access to subjective factors, such as thoughts,
perceptions and desires” (p. 23). Merriam (1998) stressed the predominance of case
studies in the social sciences, especially education, because the research is focused on
discovery, insight and understanding from the perspectives of those being studied. It
significantly contributes to the knowledge base and practice in education. Experiments
and surveys only use convenient data such as test scores to prove a narrow focused
hypothesis. Case studies “spread the net for evidence widely” thus offer more insight and
perspective (Bromley, 1986, p. 24).
This qualitative case study investigated the beliefs of teachers and administrators
in regards to the implementation of a 21 st century educational program in a public school
setting. The study sought to answer the following questions:
1. How does the district’s vision reflect the critical skills needed for the 21 st
century workplace?
2. What are the beliefs of administrators regarding 21 st century learning?
3. How do teachers approach instruction for 21 st century students?
4. Is there alignment between the components of 21 st century learning, the
articulation of the school’s vision and the actual instructional practices in
the classroom?