Action Research / Intervention Project Module II Notre Dame of Maryland University

Essential Question and Topics Essential Questions: How can I design a meaningful action research project that will have a positive impact on student outcomes? How do I begin my project? What should I do first? Topics Writing up Action Research (Introduction, Questions, Intervention) Examining Action Research Next Steps and Questions A Quiz on the Topics will be presented at the end of the two part module

Review: Reading Connection Directions Review the article below (click link) and carefully examine the steps required for quality action research. This session will focus on steps 1 (selecting a focus), step 2 (identifying research questions), and step 3 (Collecting data) Online Article Sagor, R. (2000) Guiding School Improvement with Action Research: What is Action Research? t-Is-Action-Research%C2%A2.aspx t-Is-Action-Research%C2%A2.aspx

What Does Action Research Look Like? WHAT You will work with your mentor teacher to identify an “area of need” HOW Ask your mentor teacher about areas of need. Review recent student assessments

Examples of Areas of Need Basic Multiplication Facts Identifying 20 new sight words Solving Word Problems Writing a Paragraph Identifying Numbers 1-10 You want your goal to be focused, aligned to Common Core Standards, and not too broad!

Research WHAT You will do some background research regarding how others have addressed this “need” before HOW Search publications online and at the library (remember all of the article reviews you did for courses). This is why!

Formulating a Question WHAT You will formulate a question related to that “area of need” and your classroom HOW Does ____(intervention) in grade __ increase student learning of ____(goal) as measured by (test or instrument).

Video Connection Directions Click the link below to view a video that outlines formulating an action research questions. As you listen consider how this process applies to your current school setting and potential questions. Video Link Formulating an Action Research Question: minutes 14 seconds

Paper Overview Introduction and Questions The paper should begin with the following sections: Introduction Review of Literature Research Questions Description of the Problem as related to school/class goals. Why selected (e.g.) based on data? How did you collaborate with mentor? What are research-based best practices? Share articles that support your instructional approach or strategies. What questions are you attempting to answer? Be sure they are measurable and specific Does ____(intervention) in grade __ increase student learning of ____(goal) as measured by (test or instrument).

Design and Conduct Intervention WHAT You will design and conduct an intervention to address the need with the whole class or small groups. HOW Identify your goals for students Identify your duration Plan your activities

Collect Data WHAT You will collect data to document the progress of your students HOW Collect student work to show progress. Try to collect an artifact for each session. Take pictures if applicable.

Paper Overview Methods Section Description of Sample Overview of Intervention Instructional Practices Dates and Times of Intervention (Duration/Frequency) Data Collection (Description/Frequency) Who are the student? Why were they selected (demographics and background)? What data supports their need for intervention? What instructional practices will be incorporated in each lesson? How will you track and monitor progress?

Paper Overview Results and Reflections Results Discussion or Reflection Summarize the results by explaining the differences between pre-test and post-test data. Present the data (in table or graphic form). Explain the results (e.g., what did we lean about the students and their progress?) What was learned throughout the process? Reflect on skills, target audience, method, duration, and/or results. What are the implications for future practice? What do the results mean for your own classroom and practice?

Communication Remember that the purpose of Action Research is to make an impact at the school! Final Step Prepare a presentation to be shared at the school. Touch base with your site coordinator about when you will present your research. When you submit your final project, please attach the cover sheet found on the Wiki site.

Things to keep in mind... Your write-up needs to be formal. You need to do a project in each of your placements. You must make a connection with the School Improvement Plan, School Performance Plan or the Common Core. Action research is a process that is very important to the teaching profession. Student Confidentiality is Extremely Important

I have a question based on this presentation. Who should I contact? First, take a look at the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) page on the Wiki, your question may be addressed in the guide. Second, reach out to your university supervisor. Third, Lisa Pallett ) or Dawn Jacobs Martin

Checking-In Essential Questions: How can I design a meaningful action research project that will have a positive impact on student outcomes? How do I begin my project? What should I do first? Topics Writing up Action Research (Introduction, Questions, Intervention) Examining Action Research Next Steps and Questions Please click on the link below to complete the Quiz Action Research Quiz