1. Using Action Research for Data Driven Decision Making

2. Identify the basis and philosophy of Action Research
Overview
Identify the basis and philosophy of Action Research
Understand how the results of Action Research can be used to make data driven decisions
Discuss potential Action Research topics within the school/classroom setting

3. What causes us to change practice in our classrooms, schools, and district? How are those decisions made?
Think of a recent decision you made that altered a classroom procedure/practice
Think of several decisions that have been made at the building, district, and State levels that have impacted what is happening in your classroom

4. Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
Traditional Research
Action Research
Pilot Program
Other
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

5. Action Research IS: Open-ended Purposeful Interactive Collaborative
Relevant
Evolving
Intuitive
Practical

6. Action Research is not the usual things teachers do when they think about their teaching.
Action Research is not only problem-solving.
Action Research?
Action Research is not research on other people.
Action Research is not a pilot program.
Action Research is not the scientific method applied to teaching.

7. What is Action Research?
--Systematic Discovery--
Action Research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice, systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research.

8. Action Research
Action Research is a fancy way of saying let’s study what’s happening at our school and decide how to make it a better place.
Emily Calhoun (1994)

9. Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!
Traditional Research
Action Research
Pilot Program
Other
Decisions! Decisions! Decisions!

10. Three Approaches to Action Research
Classroom
2. School
3. District

11. Problem Identification Review of the Literature
Five Phases (+1)
Problem Identification
Action Research
Review of the Literature
Plan of Action
Data Collection
Analysis of Data
Plan for Future Action

12. What Is a Good Action Research Question?
Problem Identification
What Is a Good Action Research Question?
Manageable
Significant
Contextual
Clearly Stated
Open-Ended
Self-Reflective

13. Reflective Practice: PLCs
If transformational change is to occur in our schools that has long term benefits for our students, it is critical to have teachers engage in reflective dialogue that causes them to look thoughtfully and critically at their teaching practices.
Examine both purpose and process

14. Reflective Practice: PLCs
The path to change in the classroom lies within and through the learning communities which
generate knowledge
craft new norms of practice
and sustain participants in their efforts to
reflect,
examine,
experiment,
and change.
McLaughlin, M. & Talbert, J. (1993) Center for Research on the Context of Secondary School Teaching

15. Review of the Literature
Five Phases (+1)
Action Research
Review of the Literature
Plan of Action
Data Collection

16. Sources of Information
What informs our school as to the effects of our instructional program on students?
What data do we use as a faculty?

17. Data Gathering Strategies
Data Collection
Data Gathering Strategies
Checklists
Portfolios
Surveys
Discussions
Interactions
Work Samples

18. Criteria for Selection of Data Techniques
Data Collection
Criteria for Selection of Data Techniques
Is it one that you can do?
Are there physical barriers?
Who will collect the data and how will it be displayed/shared?
Is time an issue?
How soon will the technique yield information?
Can you afford the time to gather, record, and reflect using this technique?
Is it appropriate?
Will a different technique provide more appropriate data for your question?

19. Five Phases (+1) Action Research Analysis of Data
Plan for Future Action

20. Sometimes what you expect to find is not what your data shows!
Analysis of Data
Analyzing Your Data
Sometimes what you expect to find is not what your data shows!

21. The Secret of Data Analysis
The secret of data analysis is pattern recognition. Peter Holly (1992)
The guiding principle behind the data collection process is that the information collected should be compelling enough to convince any skeptic.

22. ACTION! Let the data determine your next move!
Plan for Future Action
ACTION!
Let the data determine your next move!
Use the data to influence others
Begin a new AR cycle!

23. What are Some Effects of Teacher Research Projects?
Increased sharing and collaboration across departments, disciplines, and grade levels
Increased dialogue about instructional issues and student learning
Enhanced communication between teachers and students
Improved performance of students
Revision of practice based on new knowledge about teaching and learning
Teacher-designed and teacher-initiated staff development
Development of priorities for school-wide planning assessment efforts
Contributions to the profession’s body of knowledge about teaching and learning

24. Action Research Resources
~Docushare~

25. It is teachers who, in the end, will change the world of the school by understanding it.