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
Cont..
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
http://www.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carabstractint
ro.html
Timeline of Action Research Project
Fall 2004 Spring
2005
Summer
2005
Fall 2005 Spring
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