research question- research- methods

Research
i've decided to narrow down my topic a bit- i started with one question- it branched off into 249 other questions. so- after thinking and rethinking i've decided my research will go something like this-
Research Question-
are kids more knowledgeable about their class assignment if they're in a group/class discussion or as individual workers?
My idea is- is a teacher lecturing in front of a 6th grade language arts class more effective? some of us would think no- it's boring, but that would intale the type of teaching method and activity the teacher uses to get the kids more interested in the work. then- we would think of the opposite method- individual work- some kids so like to work by themselves but i remember being told, in class, to read 5 chapters and write a summary; i didnt get through one chapter without being distracted and thrown off topic, my mind would wander, i would be passing notes.. etc.
QUESTION-
"Is an open discussion during reading time in a 6th grade language arts class more effective than individual quiet reading time?"Methods-
With this idea in mind- i think oral history (ideas and thoughts from teachers with experience in this field) will be able to give me a great look into this question. for my second method- nothing would be better than seeing this first hand. i would have to use visual analysis- go into a couple different classrooms with teachers using both methods of teaching- group class work (full class participation) and silent reading/ individual work.
This will be a great and easy way to get information- seeing it first hand and also, oral history, since i'm not a teacher yet with the experience, will be able to tell me what past teachers have noticed and believed to work the best.