Action Research in the M. Ed. In Elementary Education Edwin D. Bell Edwin D. Bell School of Education School of Education Winston-Salem State University Winston-Salem State University

What is it? Action Research Action Research Action Research Action Research A group of research methodologies that pursue change and understanding. It is a cyclical process that alternates between action and critical reflection.

What is It? (continued) Action research is a particular type of descriptive research that can be carried out by educators. (Slavin, 2006) Action research is a particular type of descriptive research that can be carried out by educators. (Slavin, 2006)

Why Do We Use It? What is the relationship of Action Research to the M. Ed. In Elementary Education? What is the relationship of Action Research to the M. Ed. In Elementary Education? It is grounded in constructivism which is consistent with the theme of the conceptual framework of the School of Education. constructivismthemeconceptual framework constructivismthemeconceptual framework It reinforces the reflection that is a central component of NBPTS guidelines. It reinforces the reflection that is a central component of NBPTS guidelines.NBPTS

How Does the Process Work? Look at the situation: Look at the situation: Gather relevant data Gather relevant data Define and describe Define and describe Build a picture to describe the situation, e.g., force field analysis Build a picture to describe the situation, e.g., force field analysisforce field analysisforce field analysis (Stringer, 1999)

Process (continued) Think about the situation: Think about the situation: - Explore and analyze - What is happening here - What is happening here - Interpret and explain - Interpret and explain - How and why are things the way they are (Stringer, 1999) - How and why are things the way they are (Stringer, 1999)

Process (continued) Act: Act: - Plan, i.e., develop a logic logic Model - Implement - Evaluate (Stringer, 1999)

What Tools Do We Use? True and Quasi-Experimental Research designs (Gribbons & Herman, 1997) True and Quasi-Experimental Research designs (Gribbons & Herman, 1997)Quasi-Experimental Research designs Quasi-Experimental Research designs Triangulation Triangulation Quantitative Methodology Quantitative Methodology Qualitative Methodology Qualitative Methodology

What tools Do we Use? (continued) Grounded Theory: A thumbnail sketch Grounded Theory: A thumbnail sketch Grounded Theory: A thumbnail sketch Grounded Theory: A thumbnail sketch Always try to use field notes as part of your triangulation. Always try to use field notes as part of your triangulation.triangulation

What Do We Do Next Questions Questions Look at the situation through the conceptual frameworks that you have been developing. Look at the situation through the conceptual frameworks that you have been developing.

References Dick, B. (2005). Grounded theory: A thumbnail sketch. Resource Papers in Action Research, Retrieved from nded.html Dick, B. (2005). Grounded theory: A thumbnail sketch. Resource Papers in Action Research, Retrieved from nded.html nded.html nded.html Gribbons, Barry & Herman, Joan (1997). True and quasi-experimental designs. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 5(14). Retrieved May 31, 2006 from Gribbons, Barry & Herman, Joan (1997). True and quasi-experimental designs. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, 5(14). Retrieved May 31, 2006 from Lincoln, Y. S. & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications. Lincoln, Y. S. & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic Inquiry. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage Publications. Slavin, R. E. (2006). Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice, 8 th Edition, Boson, MA: Allyn and Bacon Slavin, R. E. (2006). Educational Psychology: Theory and Practice, 8 th Edition, Boson, MA: Allyn and Bacon Stringer, E. T. (1999). Action Research, 2 nd Edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Stringer, E. T. (1999). Action Research, 2 nd Edition, Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Theme of the Conceptual Framework The School of Education Winston-Salem State University "Winston-Salem State University’s Teacher Education faculty share the vision of preparing critical and creative educators who facilitate learning for all PK-12 students in a diverse and technologically dynamic world.” "Winston-Salem State University’s Teacher Education faculty share the vision of preparing critical and creative educators who facilitate learning for all PK-12 students in a diverse and technologically dynamic world.” Back Back Back