Research-Based Writing Instruction: 7 Reasons Why It’s Not the Best

Understanding the Difference Between Research-Based and Evidence-Based Education: Why It Matters

When educators look for the most effective teaching practices, it’s essential to differentiate between two commonly used terms: research-based and evidence-based. Although they sound similar, they have distinct meanings in educational contexts, and understanding these differences can significantly impact student learning outcomes. At SRSD Online, we emphasize that SRSD is an evidence-based writing intervention. But what does that mean, and how does it set SRSD apart from other research-based writing programs and approaches?

This blog will explore the differences between research-based and evidence-based methods, why these distinctions matter, and how they apply to writing instruction. This knowledge will empower educators, administrators, and policymakers to make informed choices that enhance student outcomes, particularly in writing.

1. Defining Research-Based and Evidence-Based: What’s the Difference?

The terms research-based and evidence-based are often used interchangeably, but they refer to different levels of rigor, validation, and proof in educational practice.

• Research-Based: In education, a research-based program or curriculum is typically informed by educational theories, past studies, or academic knowledge of what might work. However, it may have yet to undergo rigorous testing in natural classroom environments with student populations to demonstrate measurable, positive outcomes.

• Evidence-Based: An evidence-based approach is held to a higher standard. This type of practice has undergone rigorous testing and empirical research in real-world settings and with actual learners. Evidence-based methods demonstrate consistent, measurable success through numerous experimental or quasi-experimental studies. These methods have clear, proven impacts on student outcomes and meet established criteria for effectiveness in education.

In short, research-based practices are informed by academic literature or theory, while evidence-based practices have been rigorously tested and proven effective. Evidence-based approaches carry a “seal of effectiveness” that research-based programs don’t have.

2. Why This Distinction Matters in Education

The difference between research-based and evidence-based practices may seem subtle, but the stakes are high. In education, decisions based on assumptions or theoretical understandings alone can have limited effectiveness, impacting student growth and learning outcomes.

Consider a curriculum that claims to be based on educational research—it may include sound theories about child development, reading strategies, or even spelling strategies. However, its effectiveness remains uncertain without concrete evidence showing it improves student outcomes in real classrooms. On the other hand, an evidence-based approach offers educators peace of mind. They can trust that the method or program will likely produce the expected results because it has been thoroughly tested and validated.

3. Research-Based Writing Programs: A Theoretical Foundation

Many writing instruction programs claim to be research-based. They’re typically rooted in sound educational theories or initial studies in composition and literacy. These programs may address aspects of writing development or support some component of the writing process, such as brainstorming, organizing ideas, or revising, and aim to enhance writing skills.

Research-based writing programs draw from theories about cognitive development, literacy acquisition, or process writing. Still, they may need more rigorous analysis to demonstrate their effectiveness in improving writing skills. For instance:

• Process Writing: Programs based on process writing theory encourage students to follow a sequence of steps: brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing. This approach is widely recognized and is grounded in research on the stages of the writing process. It often utilizes mentor texts for illustrative purposes.

• Grammar Instruction: Some research-based programs emphasize grammar and mechanics, following studies suggesting that grammar proficiency is essential to good writing.

While these approaches can provide valuable insights and structure, they may need robust, consistent evidence to show they improve writing outcomes across diverse classrooms and student populations. This lack of rigorous testing in real-world settings means these programs, while valuable, are not evidence-based and may need more reliable proof of impact.

4. Evidence-Based Writing Programs: Proven Impact in the Classroom

Evidence-based programs, on the other hand, have been thoroughly vetted through controlled studies in actual classroom settings. They demonstrate measurable improvements in student performance and outcomes, offering educators a validated tool for writing instruction.

SRSD: An Evidence-Based Writing Program

Self-Regulated Strategy Development (SRSD) is a prime example of an evidence-based writing program. Developed by Dr. Karen Harris and Dr. Steve Graham, SRSD is grounded in rigorous research, with over 40 years of studies and meta-analyses supporting its effectiveness. It’s not only informed by theory and research but has consistently shown positive results for students across grade levels, settings, and ability levels. Through SRSD, students learn specific planning, drafting, and revising strategies and self-regulation skills like goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-reflection.

Here are a few key points that highlight why SRSD stands out as an evidence-based approach:

• Extensive Research: SRSD’s efficacy has been confirmed through dozens of studies, including meta-analyses, which aggregate data from multiple studies to analyze overall trends and outcomes comprehensively.

• Proven Impact on Student Writing: SRSD consistently shows strong positive effects on writing performance, including improved writing quality, vocabulary, genre knowledge, and writing confidence.

• Adaptability and Inclusivity: SRSD has demonstrated success across many students, including those with learning disabilities and English Language Learners (ELLs), further underscoring its adaptability and effectiveness.

These extensive studies have established SRSD as an evidence-based program with concrete, predictable results. Schools and districts implementing SRSD can be confident they’re using a program that reliably improves student writing outcomes.

5. Why SRSD as an Evidence-Based Program Matters for Writing Instruction

Writing is a complex, multifaceted skill that requires more than rote memorization, handwriting proficiency, or isolated practice. Effective writing instruction, grounded in sound pedagogy, helps students develop their writing skills, learn how to generate ideas and construct sentences and organize their thoughts, self-monitor their progress, and understand their writing as a process.

For many years, schools have relied on research-based theories of writing, such as process writing, to guide their instruction. While these approaches can be valuable, they often need to provide the complete, structured support students need to become skilled writers. In contrast, SRSD offers a structured framework that integrates evidence-based strategies focusing on self-regulation, empowering students to develop their writing skills and control their writing process.

The Power of Self-Regulation in SRSD

A significant feature of SRSD is its emphasis on self-regulation. In SRSD, students learn strategies for managing their writing process, such as setting goals, planning, and self-monitoring. This is particularly powerful for writing, a cognitively demanding task requiring sustained focus, organization, and perseverance. Through SRSD, students learn how to break down writing tasks into manageable steps and develop a sense of ownership over their work.

Real-World Success Stories

Schools that have implemented SRSD report transformative changes in student writing outcomes. Teachers find that students become better writers and gain confidence in their writing abilities. In classrooms with high numbers of English Language Learners or students with learning disabilities, SRSD provides the scaffolded support necessary for all students to succeed. The measurable gains in writing quality, length, and genre knowledge reinforce SRSD’s status as a valid, evidence-based program.

6. Why Schools Should Prioritize Evidence-Based Writing Programs

Choosing an evidence-based program like SRSD over a research-based approach can yield more reliable outcomes, especially in under-resourced schools or classrooms with diverse learning needs. Evidence-based programs offer:

• Accountability: Schools can demonstrate that their instructional practices are backed by solid evidence, often essential for securing funding or meeting accountability requirements.

• Consistency in Results: Evidence-based programs like SRSD provide predictable, replicable outcomes, reducing the guesswork for teachers and administrators.

• Adaptability Across Contexts: Evidence-based programs typically include built-in supports and resources, making it easier for teachers to adapt them to meet the needs of their specific student populations.

7. Making Informed Choices in Writing Instruction

When selecting a writing program, it’s essential to ask whether it’s research-based or evidence-based. Both have value, but the difference lies in the level of proof supporting their effectiveness. Research-based programs can be a good starting point, especially for introducing foundational concepts. However, evidence-based programs like SRSD take learning to the next level by ensuring students benefit from practices with a proven track record of success.

SRSD provides educators with a comprehensive, evidence-based methodology for teaching writing. It offers a reliable, adaptable approach that has helped countless students become confident, self-regulated writers. Choosing an evidence-based approach can make all the difference in student outcomes in a landscape where instructional time is precious and resources are often limited. By investing in evidence-based programs like SRSD, schools can ensure that their approach to writing instruction is grounded in theory and proven to make a lasting impact.