Using Action Research To Empower North Carolina Educators A Race to the Top Initiative NC Department of Public Instruction Educator Effectiveness Division

Creating a Collaborative Space to Meet 21 st Century Needs Kaye McKinney Rutherford County R-S Central High School

What is Action Research? Systematic inquiry conducted by teachers and other educators to find solutions for critical, challenging, relevant issues in their classrooms and schools. Mills, Geoffrey E, Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, 2014

What is Action Research? Main Goals Include: Positively impact student outcomes Identify and promote effective instructional practices Create opportunities for teachers to become reflective practitioners Share research results with other educators Mills, Geoffrey E, Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, 2014

What is Action Research? A systematic research process to: ● Identify an area of focus (critical, challenging issue) ● Develop an action research plan ● Implement action research plan in classroom/school ● Collect, analyze, and interpret data ● Share findings to inform practice Mills, Geoffrey E, Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, 2014

Creating a Collaborative Space to Meet 21 st Century Needs What is the problem of practice investigated? Why is this important? Who would benefit from reviewing my research? How will this innovation benefit students?

Problems of Practice R-S Central Issues –Decreased use of the media center. –Decreased collaborative instruction. –Decreased circulation of materials. Identify problems in your instructional setting and potential solutions.

What Does Peer-Reviewed Research say about my focus area? Trilling (2010) identified the changes that need to occur in a 21st-century library. He proposed that media centers need to become “Learning Libratories – environments where a vide variety of learning activities and projects can take place” (Trilling, p. 44, 2010). Foote (Techno, 2010) identified the importance of collaboration, team planning, and informed advocacy as essential to the changing structure of school libraries.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Focus Statement The purpose of this study is to modify the media center services and environment to provide relevant and central service to a technology-based school community.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Purpose of the Study To redefine and redesign library services to accommodate the community needs and ensure the relevance of a school media center in a digital world.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Study Participants R-S Central High School: Student Body Faculty & Staff MTAC Administration Electrical Trades Classes Agriculture Classes Art Students Library Student Assistants

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Study Variables Decrease in library patronage with the implementation of our 1:1 initiative. Media Center service modification is indicated to better support academic progress and school community needs.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Research Questions What changes are needed in the media center to provide relevant services in a technology-based school community? How will media center changes increase patronage and collaborative instruction? How will media center changes improve student product development and research skills?

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Innovation/Intervention Conduct pre & post needs assessment with faculty & staff. Conduct pre & post opinion surveys with faculty, staff, & students. Compare library circulation statistics from previous & current school years.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Innovation/Intervention Redesign library facility to create a Learning Commons. Revise library shelving system. Include green screen room to enhance technology support offerings.

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Implementation

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Implementation – Student Perceptions “The dry erase tables were absolutely genius! I can work out homework problems and relax while doing it.” “The media center has useful information that help us get all the things we need to complete our assignments. “The books and the opportunity to read and explore different genres.’ “My favorite feature provided by the media center is the help picking out a book.” “Working on projects with friends.” “ Everything.”

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Collect Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Implementation – Teacher Perceptions “ The space and layout that facilitates group work.” “That it is accessible to all students.” “Inviting to all students and teachers. It is always accessible and students enjoy the atmosphere.” “Books of interest on display; nurturing atmosphere.” “I hope to have my students use the green screen room soon, when we start doing skits.”

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Data Collected Data & Findings

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Data Collected Data & Findings Circulation Statistics BEFORE 1:1AFTER 1:1CURRENT AUGUST – MAY (Aug-Mar) MEAN SD AUG. – MAR.BEFORE 1:1(2008 – 2010)AFTER 1:1( )MEANDIFFERENCEAFTER 1:1( )CURRENT( ) MEANDIFFERENCE MEAN SD

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Data Collected Data & Findings Student Opinion Surveys Pre-Opinion – 269 responses Post-Opinion – 249 responses

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Data Collected Data & Findings Teacher Opinion Surveys Pre-Opinion – 33 responses Post-Opinion – 49 responses

Make Knowledge Public Analyze/Interpret Data Innovation/Intervention Action Research Plan Collect Data Recommendations Continue to examine the effectiveness of the project. Continue to monitor circulation statistics. Continue to act as an advocate for media center services in the school. Seek additional opportunities to support the academic & leisure reading needs of the school community.

Discussion & Questions Creation of a Learning Commons Working with a small budget Specifics of the redesign & ARP Data collection & analysis Green Screen Studio Pros & Cons GTN participation

Activity Green Screen Activity Working in pairs create a short video using green screen techniques, in iMovie. Use the collection of pre-recorded green screen footage & backgrounds or use the studio to create your own. Create a 30 second or longer video, use transitions, cleanup tools, and include a title and credit slide. Remember to adhere to Fair Use Guidelines.

Conclusion of Presentation Thank you for your participation. Contact Information: Name: Kaye N. McKinney School/District: R-S Central H. S. / Rutherford Co. Phone: (828) Website: rschs.org

References Graboyes, A. S. (2011). A 21st Century Library in a 20th Century Space. Educational Leadership, 69(4), Kern, M. K. & Stephens, M. (2008). Taming Technolust: Ten Steps for Planning in a 2.0 World. Reference & User Services Quarterly, 47(4), Techno Geek Brought Very Near. (2010). Teacher Librarian, 38(2), Trilling, B. (2010). From Libraries to Learning "Libratories:" The New ABC's of 21st Century Libraries. School Library Monthly, 27(1), Williams, C. (2013). Librarians as Incubators. Library Media Connection, 32(1),