teacher leaders engaged in mathematics and science action research spring 2005 northeast florida...

Teacher Leaders Engaged in Teacher Leaders Engaged in Mathematics and Science Action Mathematics and Science Action

ResearchResearch

Spring 2005Spring 2005

Northeast Florida Institute for Science, Mathematics, Northeast Florida Institute for Science, Mathematics, and Computer Technology at UNFand Computer Technology at UNF

Duval County Public SchoolsDuval County Public Schools

December 9, 2004Teacher Leaders Engaged in Mathematics

and Science Action Research

Facilitators

Dr. Faiz Al-RubaeeAssociate Professor, Mathematics and Statistics

Dr. Marianne BarnesProfessor, Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Cathy CavanaughAssistant Professor, Curriculum and Instruction



Definition of Action Research

Action research is the process of systematically evaluating the consequences of educational decisions and adjusting practice to maximize effectiveness (McLean, 1995).

The process is situation-specific, cyclical, and

ongoing, with the results from one cycle leading to further action research.



Central Ideas in Action Research

I am the central person in my research. I am asking a real question about a real

issue, and I am hoping to move towards a solution.

I am starting from where I am.I am trying to bring about some

improvement.(McNiff, Lomax, & Whitehead, 1996)



Rationale for Developing Proficiency in Action Research

The process of action research supports: strategic problem solving for specific

educational challenges; positive communication between

administrators and teachers; empowerment of teachers and

administrators; increased professional satisfaction;



Rationale for Developing Proficiency in Action Research

The process of action research supports: flexible, solution-oriented thinking; increased professional motivation to improve

practice; increased collegiality, on-going inquiry, self-

reflection, and decision making skills; increased expectations for student learning; increased expectations for self-improvement.



Rationale for Developing Proficiency in Action Research According to Osterman and Kottkamp (1993), the

following are reasons for engaging in action research:

Everyone needs professional growth opportunities. All professionals want to improve. All professionals can learn. All professionals are capable of assuming responsibility

for their own professional growth and development. People need and want information about their own

performance. Collaboration enriches professional development. (p. 46)



The Goal of Action Research

Those engaging in action research aim “…to take action and effect positive educational change in the specific school environment that was studied...with the goals of gaining insight, developing reflective practice, effecting positive changes in the school environment (and on educational practices in general), and improving student outcomes and the lives of those involved.” (Mills, 2000, pp.5-6)



Validity of Action Research

High validity when results are applied in the situation in which action research was conducted, but low validity when trying to broadly generalize. Validity also depends upon proper use of action research procedures.



ACTION RESEARCH MODEL (Calhoun, 1994)

4 Analyze and Interpret Data

5Take Action

1Select Area

2Collect Data

3Organize Data



References

Calhoun, E. (1994). How to use action research in the self-renewing school. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

McLean, J. E. (1995). Improving education through action research: A guide for administrators and teachers. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

McNiff, J., Lomax, P., & Whitehead, J. (1996). You and your action research project. London: Hyde Publications.

Mills, G. E. (2000). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher. Columbus, OH: Merrill.

Osterman, K. F., & Kottkamp, R. B. (1993). Reflective practice for educators: Improving schooling through professional development. Newbury Park, CA: Corwin Press.



Technology Support

We will use a project website for:

Threaded discussion Sharing results and

resources Peer review of

documents



NATURE OF INSTRUCTIONAL SESSIONS:

The design and presentation of the instructional sessions will:

1. link learning to personally relevant goals;2. offer opportunities for professional self-

reflection, collaboration, and self-assessment;3. provide guided instruction, supportive materials,

and feedback;4. be interactive among session participants;5. focus on problem solving.



Session 1: January. Planting Seeds

1. identify, in writing, an area of interest and prepare a specific proposal to address through action research;

2. share and discuss proposal within the session’s learning community;

3. use project website;4. commit to steps to begin action research

project.



Session 2: February. Germination

1. Update group on implementation of the planned action research;

2. Gather written data to assess effectiveness of action research.



Session 3: March. Bearing Fruit

1. Plan analysis of data obtained through action research;

2. Plan a written and oral presentation of action research project;

3. Use action research outcomes to generate new action research.



Session 4: April.Harvesting Results

1. Share results of action research with session colleagues;

2. Plan publication of action research project so others in the profession will be able to access it;

3. Articulate implications of action research for future research;

4. Confirm your level of interest in continuing as an action researcher.



Due at January session:

Your action research proposal:1. Write an area of focus statement.2. Define the variables.3. Develop research questions.4. Describe the intervention or innovation.5. Describe the membership of the action research

group.6. Describe the negotiations that need to be

undertaken.7. Develop a timeline.8. Develop a statement of resources.9. Develop data collection ideas.



Apply Now!

Turn in your application form today. You’ll hear by January 1 whether you

have been selected. Begin developing your proposal. Contact us with questions, changes in

plans.



Contact us:

Faiz Al-Rubaee [email protected]

Marianne Barnes [email protected]

Cathy [email protected]

Rachel Raneri [email protected]

teacher leaders engaged in mathematics and science action research spring 2005 northeast florida...

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