Action research and final project preparations

               Action research and final project preparations:

I understand that the requirements for final project of the teach-now Educatore School of Education, Masters of Education program culminates with a research based final project which is a compulsory element required for the completion of the course. This final Project is the module 11 of the program and it can take different forms. It can be inform of grant proposal, action research problem  or a project to broaden and deepen knowledge, improve teaching practice or solve practical problems for an advancement upon current knowledge Which ever it be, I am required to follow the guidelines and rubric for the final project.

You will follow the guideline which is mandatory and includes:

• Structure of the Final Project
• Sections of the Project Report:
• Length of the Project Report:

During the process of the final research, the key term is the action research. I will go further to talk about the action research.

Action research is a discipline process of inquiry conducted by or on behalf of those taking action. It is a discipline practiced by people who are seeking to improve and refine their  own skills and actions. It is an essential aspect of action research projects that they are relevant to the participants. I am an example to this research as a teacher.

So many scholars have defined action research, let’s see some of this definitions:

Action Research is the process by which the practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide, correct and evaluate their decisions and actions. (Stephen Corey 1953).

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

Action Research is a three-step spiral process of (1) planning which involves reconnaissance, (2) taking actions and (3) fact finding about the result of the action. (kurt Lewin 1947).

Action Research in education is a study conducted by colleagues in a school setting of their result of their activity to improve instruction. (Carl Glickman 1992)  

The Action Research Process

Educational action research can be engaged in by a single teacher, or by a group of colleagues who share an interest in a common problem, or by the entire faculty of a school. Whatever the scenario is, action research always involves the same seven-step process. 

These seven steps, which become an endless cycle for the inquiring teacher, are the following:

• Selecting a focus
• Clarifying theories
• Identifying research questions
• Collecting data
• Analyzing data
• Reporting results
• Taking informed action.

Before I continue, I would want to list the three purpose of action research as mentioned by Richard Sagor.,

Three Purposes for Action Research

1. Building the reflective practitioner
2. Making progress on schoolwide priorities
3. Building professional cultures

I am aware that regarding my own action plan, there are rules I need to strictly adhere to and they are the standards of the Teach-Now program. They are guidelines and rubrics and some of the keys to consider and in order to increase knowledge in an educational topic of  choosing, to use this knowledge to improve teaching, and to develop skills that can be used for future activities. More specifically, by completing the Final Project I should be able to demonstrate:

• Deeper knowledge of a specific educational topic
• The ability to plan and use appropriate methods to conduct research and to analyze the results of this work

• The ability to clearly present and discuss conclusions as well as the knowledge and arguments that form the basis for these findings
• Ability to complete a well-written and properly organized report
• Knowledge and motivation to complete the project.

I agree with the outline set by Teach-Now and I would as a teacher be able to fulfill the requirement for this course.

Furthermore into Action Research, I would want to talk about the sections of the final project, though projects may vary but these are the general section required in any project: 

Introduction and Statement of Problem or Question

• Literature Review
• Proposed Methodology 
• Analysis of Results 
• Summary and Consideration of Next Steps (Action Plan)
• References
• Appendices, if Needed

Let me briefly talk about each section:

Introduction and statement of problem or question: 

This is the proposal, and it is effectively the introduction, statement of problem or question. This question is significant, it needs to address a current situation which is  importance to me,  the program and my students. This part describes the current state of the problem, issue, or topic it will talk about the topic in context. Then it discusses the importance of the issue and why it is important and a brief description of the background or history of the issue is discussed. It could be an ongoing situation which requires a solution or an aspect which requires evaluating or re-evaluating, either way it has to be an original idea. In doing the project, one needs to state specific research questions that will be addresses in the project, also the purpose of the project needs to be stated to indicate what one stands to achieve or accomplish. Of Course, not left out will be some of the limitations and challenges that may affect the result of the project.

Literature review: This lays out the foundations for the project, it is the research on which you are taking action. Previous studies relevant to the question being asked must be used as evidence to support the pursuit of the proposed question in your introduction. And then present a carefully organized account of the research relevant to the project.

Proposed methodology: In this section, you should include the setting, population, how you ensured that you had permission from all participants to be involved in this project. Clear and comprehensive description of the steps taken to carry out the project, clear and comprehensive description of any tests or instruments used in the study description and provision of the data that were collected (table and chart can be shown).

Just like other scientific methods it should be clear to the point.

Analysis of results: You will need to  analyse your data and evaluate the result of the project. Mainly, the analysis is focused around the question or problem as stated in your introduction.

Summary and Consideration of Next Steps (Action Plan): This is the concluding step where you summarize and evaluate the findings, are they conducive of what was previously thought from previous research?... detail any experimental limitations which may have occurred during the process of the project. This section gives you the opportunity to see how your project fits in with what was previously understood about the issue.

Reference: This section is expecting that you cite all references used in the project, any quote or citing done most be presented and should be presented in APA reference format.

Appendix: All data collection tools or intervention materials should be stated.

For my action research project, I have lots of area that I would like to research on, but first let me talk about some of the requirements that are expected as shared for this activity, ones I feel comfortable with and ones I might find challenging. 

An Action Research Project focuses on a specific issue in your school or classroom: Well, I will say that I feel comfortable with this aspect because is more practical for me, I am able to look at matters concerning my school or classroom and be able to come up with some profound solution.

It must be original work that requires critical analysis: Like I said, since it is more practical and is applicable to my daily encounter in school activity, I feel comfortable to relate with such issues and look for ways out.

It must include an analysis of previous research done in the field: I am aware that many research must have been done on some of my project question or problem but what might be a little challenging will be that though schools tend to share somethings in common what applies for one school may not work for my own school or classroom and how can I overcome this challenge. 

It must require some application that involves the collection and/or analysis of data: I don’t know what access I have to this if I am working on problem of the whole school, I may feel more comfortable if am confused on my class, with that I am able to provide necessary data or charts.

It must include an analysis of findings: I am comfortable with this, I can always find information regarding my question or problem.

It must focus on some aspect of globalization or international mindedness relevant to education in general or your specific situation: My project is falling toward this direction so am comfortable with this.

A written report/action plan (in Word format) must be submitted: I am very much comfortable with this.

Some of the ideas I have for action research that I would like to develop are:

• As an early childhood teacher (Pre-K), I have discovered that the school curriculum does not cover  this grade, the curriculum cuts across K-12, I wonder how I will interconnect the  different curriculum that Pre-K is using now in alignment with K-12 curriculum.
• I will say that I can see communication and collaboration in my Pre-K class as students interact with each during play, now how do I integrate other 21st century skills to this young.
• Globalization is set to be happening around the world, as an international school, How can I get the little students understand the concept of culture and international relationship between students and teacher, parents and the entire faculty treasure .
• Another concern will be the problem of behavioral issue. Pre-K students are just four years, how do I get students to be  balanced socially, physically, mentally, academically and be aware their behavior.
• Some students do not have any foundation at home, how do I get parent to be part of the learning process?
• ELL is a special concern in my class. What are the strategies to balance and have same expectation and learning outcome.
• What do you do to a student that would not participate in anything.?
• Integrating technology in teaching and learning, Last school year, Pre-K were part of IT. This school year the school excluded the Pre-K students form IT classes. If this is the case, how will technology and my lesson align ? 

Reference

Leo Rigsby., March 2015. “Action Research:How is it Defined?’’ 

http://gse.gmu.edu/assets/media/tr/ARRigsbyppt.htm

 Richard Sago., “Guiding School Improvement with Action Research.”

http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/100047/chapters/What-Is-Action-Research%C2%A2.aspx

Teach-now Guidelines and Rubric:  Final Project

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HENDXgi7azEuAJiwYTWzdhE07p9jRnYHL6nDwg5N_Oo/edit#

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