Action Research in the Classroom Session 3

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Action Research in the ClassroomSession 3

• EDU 5120
• Baker University
• Dr. Christy Ziegler

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Assignment from Session 2

• Read Schmuck Chapter 4 and either 5 or 6
  depending on your research direction.
• Complete 2 research article abstracts. Attach
  each abstract to the research article and submit
  tonight.

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Tonights Agenda

1. Present research abstracts in class. (600-700)
2. Review Research Methodologies Data Collection
   (700-745)
3. Finalize AR questions and submit final research
   questions. (745-815)
4. Research teams discuss research methodologies and
   data collection plans. (815-finished)

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Sharing of Relevant Research

• What was the research question in each study you
  reviewed?
• What did they find/conclude?
• What research methods were utilized?
• What data was collected?
• Can any of the research methods be applied to
  your own studies?

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AR Resource

• AR link from KSDE Professional Development
  Schools
• http//www3.ksde.org/cert/Collection.doc
• http//www.ksde.org/Default.aspx?tabid1796

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Introduction to Research Methodologies

• Procedures, Instruments, Special Issues and Ethics

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Action Research and Traditional Research

• Both use methods to collect data using same
  procedures
• Asking questions
• Observing behaviors
• Using existing data gathered by others
• Qualitative and Quantitative data
• Shared data collection tools

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Triangulation of Data

• Identify at least 3 sources of data you will
  collect to support your research question.

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Observation Methods for AR
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Qualitative vs Quantitative
"All research ultimately has a qualitative grounding"- Donald Campbell "There's no such thing as qualitative data. Everything is either 1 or 0"- Fred Kerlinger
Data is in the form of words, pictures, objects Data is in the form of numbers
Subjective - individuals interpretation of events is important ,e.g., uses participant observation, in-depth interviews etc. Objective - seeks precise measurement analysis of target concepts, e.g., uses surveys, questionnaires etc.
More rich, time consuming, less able to be generalized More exact, efficient, may miss contextual details
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Qualitative, Quantitative or Both?
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Data Collection Tools

• Questionnaires
• Factual Questionnaires
• Standardized Testsknowledge, comprehension
• Questionnaires on Feelings, thoughts,
  behaviorsattitudinal data through open response
  or likert scale

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Likert Scale Questionnaires

• I like homework SA A N D SD
• Consider even vs. odd response scales
• Consider order of response choices from positive
  to negative
• Maintain consistency in responses
• Easily quantified

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Other response examples

• Open-Ended thoughts
• I learn best when_____________.
• Structured thoughts
• 5 frequently, 4often, 3sometimes, 2seldom,
  1never
• I think about my homework 5 4 3 2 1
• Structured behaviors (times per week)
• I do homework 6 5 4 3 2 1
• I ask questions 6 5 4 3 2 1

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Questionnaire Advantages Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Open-ended ?s created quickly easily Open-ended responses can be ambiguous
Quick to complete for respondents Analysis of open-ended takes research time
Chance to learn unexpected information is gt Data collector cant ask respondents to clarify responses.
?s with rating scales can be scored quickly If ?s with rating scales include 2 or more ideas, results are unclear.
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Interviews

• One-on-one interviews
• Class Meetings, focus groups
• Formal vs. informal

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Interview Advantages Disadvantages
Advantages Disadvantages
Collector can probe for clarification elaboration Challenge in sampling - cant interview all
Collector can build rapport with respondents Time consuming
Help in collecting data from those who cant write thoughts/feelings Lack of anonymity
Data can be gathered via audio tapes Respondents may fear statements will be used against them.
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Observations
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(No Transcript)
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(No Transcript)
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Time on Task Collection
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Documents

• Journals, diaries
• Case Studies
• School records - assessment performance,
  behavior, grades

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The Big 3 Research Qualities

• Generalizability
• Across settings and contexts?
• Reliability
• Is it repeatable with the same population?
• Validity
• Does it measure what it is supposed to?
• Your research must consider and adhere to all 3.

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Assignment for week 4 11/14

• Read Sagor Chapters 4 and 5 Data Collection and
  Analysis
• Reminder No Class Wednesday, November 21!
• 11/28 Team work session
• 12/5 Team work session
• 12/12 Action Research individual and team
  project presentations