1. Senior Action Research Project
Legacy High School
English 12

2. What is an “Action Research”?
Definition
Action research is known by many other names, including participatory research, collaborative inquiry, emancipatory research, action learning, and contextural action research, but all are variations on a theme.
Put simply, action research is “learning by doing”
From

3. What is an “Action Research Project”?
You, as an individual student, will select a topic of importance in your life. You will research the topic, take action and then present your findings.

4. Why do I have to do an “Action Research Project”?
Your project will help you become a better citizen as well as give you some direction for your future.
You will make connections that may assist you in the future. NETWORKING!
Your action may encourage or deter you from a career path.
You will be able to write a solid research essay.
You will be able to write a reflective journal including observations and personal comments.
It is for grade.

5. Internship or Interviews
This year you have the option of choosing to interview people who have experience and knowledge related to the topic you have chosen to research.
What’s the difference?
Think of the volunteer hours as an internship, of sorts. You will be responsible for finding a person or organization will to let you spend at least 15 hours helping them do whatever it is they do.
Think of interviews as your opportunity to go straight to a source to get what you need. I will help you prepare for this – I know lots about interviewing. You will be responsible for arranging your interviews and you will need five total (two in second quarter, three in third quarter).
You are welcome to start any of this when you like, but I may not get to the interview lesson until second quarter.

6. The real difference is…
What works for you.
This accommodation was made to make this assignment more meaningful to you, not to make things easier.
Some folks prefer the volunteer hours because of personal schedules.
Others will find interviews easier to schedule and, perhaps, more helpful with the overall task.
Please, please please – for your own sake – don’t let the volunteer/interview requirement dictate your topic.
Bottom line = The idea here is to get you interacting and learning about your future from those already there.
In other words, if you want to be in law enforcement, start with a cop. If you want to be a scientist, talk to someone who already works in that field. Get the idea…?

7. What will I be doing? 1st Quarter – Inquiry
Select a topic for exploration (we will discuss later)
Review rubric
Finalize topic to get teacher approval

8. What will I be doing? 2nd Quarter – Research with Action
Gather data on your selected topic using a minimum of 7 sources collect 30 facts
Sources must include at least two printed sources and two interviews.
5 hours of volunteer time toward the topic, take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions. Or…
2 interviews with people already in the field you’re researching. Takes copious notes and back yourself up with a tape recorder (always ask the person’s permission before beginning the interview).
To be clear, “trust, but verify” will probably be written on my tombstone. You are required to provide contact information for all volunteer hours and interviews. You should assume I’ll contact your source at some point.

9. What will I be doing? 3rd Quarter – Writing with Action
Write a formal research essay approximately 3-5 pages using MLA format.
Include research and a separate reflective journal section to reflect on volunteer time.
Additional 10 hours of volunteer time toward the topic or three interviews.
Take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions

10. The future 4th Quarter – Publish and Present
Revise and edit final copy of research essay and reflective journals will be combined into a reflective essay approximately 2-4 pages
Present findings and reflections to a panel of evaluators and the class.
The future
Go do what you planned to do!

11. How will it be graded?
A rubric has been created to grade each step (quarter) of the process
The rubric also grades the overall project
Each teacher will determine the point values and due dates

12. So, what do I do now? Select a topic.
Choose something you feel passionate about, you will be working on this all year and will be required to put in serious work into this.
Possible topic ideas:
Career related (veterinary, pharmacy, teacher, barber, chef, massage therapist, CPA, politician, etc…)
Education related (college, graduate school, technical school, trade school, apprenticeships, etc…)
Other ideas…? Talk to me, I’m flexible as long as you’re aiming for the right target.

13. Research Essay Gather data on your selected topic
Using a minimum of 7 sources collect 30 facts
Sources must include at least one printed source and one interview
Write a formal research essay approximately 3-5 pages using MLA format

14. Volunteering
15 hours total (5 hours 2nd quarter, 10 hours 3rd quarter)
Volunteering must align with topic
You must make the contact and complete an hour log
Take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions
Write a thank you note to the person/organization you work with. Ask for a letter of recommendation from your supervisor to add to your portfolio.

15. Reflective Journals and Essay
Write at least 6 reflective journal entries (x2 during 2nd quarter and x3 during 3rd quarter)
Combined journals into a reflective essay approximately 2-4 pages
Show personal experiences and reflections
Separate from the research essay

16. Presentation Create a multi-media presentation
Share research done and personal experiences
Must be 5-10 minutes long and have professional looking visual aids
Presentations will be made to a panel who will ask questions and give you feedback. BE PREPARED FOR QUESTIONS!!!

17. Questions?
Comments?
Concerns?
Confusions?