Balancing Change and Understanding in Literacy Research through Formative Experiments.

Abstract

Discusses formative experiments in literacy research. Outlines six components of a formative experiment. Offers an example of a formative experiment and describes establishing a pedagogical goal, specifying and justifying an intervention, collecting data, adapting the intervention in light of data, unanticipated effects, and changes in the educational environment. Discusses strengths and limitations of formative experiments in literacy research.