META-ANALYSIS MODEL FOR EDUCATION IN PANDEMIC TIMES

Abstract

During Pandemic times like the current COVID-19, response protocols pose challenges to researchers especially in regard to data collection. The guidelines such as restriction of movement, social distancing and age-related protocols that guide social groupings and interaction become constraints to research designs that rely heavily on human interaction/contact. The pandemic brings in a new normal for educational research in terms of approach to research design, data collection and data analysis. This necessitates two distinct ways in conducting educational research: The use of Meta-Analysis as an appropriate design; and, the availability of quick reference tools for Effect Size Calculation among studies already undertaken in related fields. This paper discusses ways in which educational research could exploit meta-analysis in achieving reliable results by: (a) Proposing meta-analysis as the most viable option for research design; (b) Recommending a set of tools for different options on Effect-Size Calculation and (c) Proposing a framework for mentoring postgraduate students on this new approach.