Classroom Research

1
Classroom Research

• Heartland Community College
• IDC

2
Classroom Research

• Definition
• Classroom Action Research is research designed to
  help a teacher find out what is happening in his
  or her classroom, and to use that information to
  make wise decisions for the future. Methods can
  be qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or
  experimental.
• Gwynn Mettetal

3
Classroom Research

• Differences with Formal Research
• Classroom Research tends to be
• Learner-Centered
• Collaborative
• Context-Specific
• Practical and Relevant
• Continual

4
Classroom Research

• Design of Classroom Research
• Naturalistic Inquiry
• Interactive
• Multi-focused
• Conversational vs. Technological
• -Bruce Kochis

5
Classroom Research

• Key Steps in the Research Process
• Overview of steps and strategies
• Decide on a question--Meaningful and important to
  you.
• Read literature on your topic (the ERIC database
  is an excellent source)
• Plan your overall research strategy
• Follow guidelines for ethical research

6
Classroom Research

• Questions
• Does discussion work better than lecture for a
  topic?
• Do pictures work better than words to illustrate
  a concept?
• Does group work improve retention of material
  vs. individual work?

7
Classroom Research

• Classroom Assessment Techniques
• are great for collecting data
• Muddiest Point
• Background Knowledge Probes
• Minute Paper
• Concept Maps
• -and on and on

8
Classroom Research

• Grading Rubrics are a great way to collect data
  as well.
• Talk with your students about their experiences
  and use that as data
• IRB and Data Collection (Texas AM)
• http//researchcompliance.tamu.edu/classroomguide
  lines.php

9
Classroom Research

• Key Effects of the Classroom Research Process
• increased sharing and collaboration across
  departments, disciplines, and grade levels
• increased dialogue about instructional issues and
  student learning
• enhanced communication between teachers and
  students
• improved performance of students
• Source Fairfax County Public Schools, Office of
  Research and Policy Analysis

10
Classroom Research

• Key Effects of the Classroom Research Process
• revision of practice based on new knowledge about
  teaching and learning
• teacher-designed and initiated staff development
  
• development of priorities for school wide
  planning and assessment efforts
• contributions to the profession's body of
  knowledge about teaching and learning.
• Source Fairfax County Public Schools, Office of
  Research and Policy Analysis

11
Classroom Research

• References
• http//mypage.iusb.edu/gmetteta/Classroom_Action_
  Research.html
• http//gse.gmu.edu/research/tr/
• http//archon.educ.kent.edu/Oasis/Pubs/0200-20.htm
  l
• http//www.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carhomepage.h
  tml

12
Classroom Research

• References
• Cross, P. and M. Steadman. Classroom Research.
  SF Jossey-Bass, 1996.
• A Critique from a Traditional Research
  Perspective
• http//www.policyreview.org/OCT02/hirsch_print.htm
  l

13
Classroom Research

• Example of Process from a Stats Class
• http//www.amstat.org/publications/jse/secure/v7n3
  /delmas.cfm
• Example of Research Studies by Faculty Using
  Technology
• http//www.georgetown.edu/crossroads/conversations
  /research.html