Action Research Project Proposal

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Action Research Project Proposal

• Barbara Yamada
• Cohort IV

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Topic

• Use of the Reflection Process by Special
  Education Teachers to Improve Professional
  Practice

Can reflective thinking in the discussion
format provide support to special education
teachers and help them improve their professional
practice?
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Reflection is the examination of ones teaching
practice in a thoughtful and even critical way,
learning from this process, and then using what
has been learned to affect ones future action
Elaine K. McEwan, 10 Traits of Highly
Effective Teachers 2002
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Rationale

• Expands traditional in-service training
• Discussions provide time to reflect on teaching
  practice for collegiality and sharing of ideas
  (Burnaford, 2001).
• Reflections can lead to inquiry, construction of
  new meaning and knowledge, and action.

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Rationale (cont.)

• Reflective practitioners learn from their
  experiences and take ownership for the quality of
  learning that goes on in the classroom.
• Effective teachers feel supported in their work
  (McEwan, 2002).
• Learning is on-going to meet the demands of
  mandates and the changing needs of students.

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Expected Impact on Student Achievement

• Students will receive quality teaching resulting
  in high academic achievement, positive
  involvement, and resilient behaviors.

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Methodology

• Discussion group format
• Voluntary participation
• Regular monthly meetings for 1-2 hours
• Possible on-line discussions to continue
  reflection discussion in-between meetings

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Methods to Determine Effectiveness

• Group discussions and dialogue
• Informal teacher interviews
• Informal feedback through open-ended
  questionnaires
• Informal observations
• On-going journal kept by facilitator

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Implementation Timeline
Summer 04 Research Design Development
Spring 05 Analysis and interpretation of data
writing and editing of report
Sept. 04-Feb. 05 Implementation of Design
Select discussion group(s) reflective discussion
sessions held for one semester collection of
data personal journal recorded
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Resources Needed

• District Special Education Handbook
• Refreshments

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Information Sources

• Burnaford, G., Fischer, J., Hobson, D. (2001).
  Teachers Doing Research (2nd ed). NJ Lawrence
  Erlbaum Assoc., Inc.
• Lierberman, A. Miller, L. (1991). Staff
  Development for Education in the 90s (2nd ed).
• New York Teachers College Press
• McEwan, E. (2002). 10 Traits of Highly Effective
  Teachers. CA Corwin Press, Inc.
• Schon, D. A. (1983). The Reflective Practitioner.
  New York Basic Books.

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• MAHALO