Action+Research


 * Track A and B: Action Research **

What is Action Research?
Action research is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for those taking action. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the “actor” in improving and/or refining his/her actions.

What is the purpose of action research?
The four distinct purposes of action research are as follows:
 * · To improve practice through continuous learning and progressive problem solving
 * · To develop a deeper understanding of how to put theory into practice.
 * · To make progress on school-wide priorities.
 * · To improve teaching practice and student learning

What does action research process look like?
A protocol for Action Research is as follows: 1. **Select a focus **: Select a topic(s) for research that is meaningful and relates to teaching practice and/or student learning. 2. **Formulate a Question(s): ** Formulate 1-3 open-ended question(s) related to the topic 3. **Develop a Data Collection Plan: ** Identify a variety tools and strategies to collect data that addresses the question(s). 4. **Collect/Analyze Data **: Collect and assemble a variety of pieces of data that addresses the question. Look for patterns of findings and draw conclusions from the assembled data 5. **<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Develop an Action Plan: **<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Reflect on the data analysis and confer on the changes in practice that might occur as a consequence of the data analysis. 6. **<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Report Results: **<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> Report findings and understandings derived from the study and share it with colleagues and the principal.

What are some data collection and analysis tools that can be used in collaborative action research?
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Interviews <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Student Performance Data (IB, MYP, etc.) <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Cognitive Coaching- The Planning Map, The Problem-Solving Map, The Reflection Map <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">SWOT Analysis <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Protocols for examining student work <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Atlas Rubicon Analysis Tools <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Classroom Observation <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Shadowing <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Journals <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Videotape/Photography <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Surveys <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Review of the literature <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">

What are some helpful resources on action research?
<span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Sagor, Richard. //How to Conduct Collaborative Action Research.// Alexandria, VA: ASCD. 1992 <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mertler, Craig & Charles, Carol. //Introduction to Educational Research, 6/E.// Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. 2008 <span style="font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-size: 13.0pt; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Falk, B., & Blumenreich, M. //The power of questions: A guide to teacher and student research//. New Hampshire: Heinemann. 2005