Action Research Project Noemi Waight & George Reese MSTE

Overview of Action Research Action research is deliberate, solution-oriented investigation that is group or personally owned and conducted. It is characterized by spiraling cycles of problem identification, systematic data collection, reflection, analysis, data-driven action taken, and, finally, problem redefinition. Johnson, B. (1993) Focuses on teaching and its interplay with student outcomes

Cont.. As a research method, action research is cyclical. It assumes that understandings and actions emerge in a constant cycle. (Noffke & Stevenson, 1995) “Action research involves the improvement of practice, of the understandings of practice, and of the situations in which practice occurs”. (Kemmis & McTaggart)

How we envision Action Research

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An Example of Action Research: Science is life: How does using the outdoors as an extension of my classroom influence students’ perspectives of their world? (Joan Field) 6th grade; Black Hawk Middle School How does using the outdoors as an extension of my classroom influence students’ perspectives of their world?

Cont.. Data:  Record of and observations of lesson related to outdoor education  Environmental observations  Questionnaires  Pre and post reflective writing assignments  Interviews ro.html

Timeline of Action Research Project Fall 2004Spring 2005 Summer 2005 Fall 2005Spring 2006  Introduction to Action Research.  Teachers will identify issues in their classrooms that can be investigated through action research.  Parallel session on the basics of Action Research. Namely, what action research is, methodologies used, course of research and findings.  Examples of case studies will be used.  Develop a protocol for action research study.  Protocol will include research question(s), rationale, background knowledge, methodology.  Parallel sessions will allow us to work with teachers to refine this process.  Implement Action Research. Teachers will brainstorm and discuss the process.  The Findings. How to make sense of observations and data collected.  The report component of the study.  Presentation of Action Research + copy of report

Role of Mentor Teacher Provide support for this process Communicate with teachers via Moodle Help teachers to identify classroom issues Work with teachers and REVITALISE staff on methodologies Work with a group of teachers on data analysis and interpretation