Legacy High School English 12 Senior Action Research Project

What is an “Action Research”? Definition Action research is known by many other names, including participatory research, collaborative inquiry, emancipatory research, action learning, and contextural action research, but all are variations on a theme. Put simply, action research is “learning by doing” From

What is an “Action Research Project”? You, as an individual student, will select a topic of importance in your life. You will research the topic, take action and then present your findings.

Why do I have to do an “Action Research Project”? Your project will help you become a better citizen as well as give you some direction for your future. You will make connections that may assist you in the future. Your action may encourage or deter you from a career path. You will be able to write a solid research essay. You will be able to write a reflective journal including observations and personal comments. It is for grade.

What will I be doing? 1 st Quarter – Inquiry Select a topic for exploration (we will discuss later) Review rubric Begin making contacts for volunteer time Finalize topic to get teacher approval

What will I be doing? 2 nd Quarter – Research with Action Gather data on your selected topic using a minimum of 5 sources collect 30 facts Sources must include at least one printed source and one interview 5 hours of volunteer time towards the topic, take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions

What will I be doing? 3 rd Quarter – Writing with Action Write a formal research essay approximately 5-8 pages using MLA format Include research and a separate reflective journal section to reflect on volunteer time Additional 10 hours of volunteer time towards the topic Take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions

4 th Quarter – Publish and Present Revise and edit final copy of research essay and reflective journals have been combined into a reflective essay approximately 2-4 pages Create a formal presentation Present findings and reflections to a panel of evaluators

How will it be graded? A rubric has been created to grade each step (quarter) of the process The rubric also grades the overall project Each teacher will determine the point values and due dates

So, what do I do now? Select a topic. Choose something you feel passionate about, you will be working on this all year and will be required to put in some time volunteering. Possible topic ideas: Career related (veterinary, pharmacy, teacher, barber, chef, massage therapist, CPA, politician, etc…) Community issue (poverty, substance abuse, homeless, charity, literacy, gangs, clean up, graffiti, etc…) School issue (bullying, academic success, pride/spirit, respect, campus beautification) Other ideas…?

Research Essay Gather data on your selected topic Using a minimum of 5 sources collect 30 facts Sources must include at least one printed source and one interview Write a formal research essay approximately 5-8 pages using MLA format

Volunteering 15 hours total (5 hours 2 nd quarter, 10 hours 3 rd quarter) Volunteering must align with topic You must make the contact and complete a hour log Take notes about tasks performed, problems, results, observations and questions Write a thank you note to the person/organization you work with. Ask for a letter of recommendation from your supervisor to add to your portfolio.

Reflective Journals and Essay Write 6 reflective journals (x2 during 2 nd quarter and x3 during 3 rd quarter) Combined journals into a reflective essay approximately 2-4 pages Show personal experiences and reflections Separate from the research essay

Presentation Create a multi-media presentation Share research done and personal experiences Must be minutes long and have professional looking visual aids You must dress professionally and be prepared Presentations will be made to a panel who will ask questions and give you feedback

Questions? Comments? Concerns? Confusions?