The Empirical Realm (ਧਰਮ ਖੰਡ - Dharam Khand)
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Dharam Khand in Japji Sahib
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Although the Japji Sahib is a poetic composition, the following verse narrating Dharam Khand relates well with empiricism:
"Nights, days, weeks and seasons; wind, water, fire and the core region Within them is placed the earth, a place to learn dharma In it are species with different sources of sustenance Their names are numerous and endless...." (Japji Sahib 34) |
Use in Education |
Empirical philosophy would hold that the five senses are the most reliable source of knowledge. For this reason, empiricism would investigate phenomenon through direct experience or observation in classrooms, schools and corporate structures.
Since empirical methods involve hard data and measurable variables, they naturally work well with quantitative research where numerical and statistical analysis of data is central to investigation of any variable. Data that may be collected would include attitudes, opinions and behaviours of students, teachers, parents, or school or system leaders. The preference is for collection and analysis of data that is generalizable. Empirical approach to education, with its focus on measurable data, would tend to focus on achievement and success of students. Among methods used include the following: Interviews, online polls, observations and longitudinal studies. Apart from original study, another approach is to review quantitative studies in order to consider existing evidence for best practices. The empirical approach would also gather data during implementation, as well as with measurement of outcomes in order to provide relevant feedback. |
Equity and Inclusion |
When considering problems and issues with equity and inclusion, empirical approach would seek to measure the problem. For example, how do students from visible minorities score on math and language tests? The empirical approach will first examine whether a problem with diversity and inclusion actually exists at the school or system level. After that, evidence-based studies will be reviewed in terms appropriate solutions to the gap possibly indicated in the previous step. Alternatively, original empirical study may be proposed in order to fill a gap in the research literature.
As a final step, the evidence will be examined for possible best practices and it will inform classroom practice or system-level policies or procedures. Given that the empirical approach offers a narrow lens on the problem of diversity and inclusion, it would not be able to consider complex issues or provide broad framework for examination of the problem and possible solutions. With the focus on evidence in empirical research, the following focus would be on questions related to student achievement and outcomes as indicated in these questions:
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