Transcript Action Research in Education Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research in Education
Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Jack Whitehead, Action Research, Principles and Practice, McNiff, 1988, ix
• We must find a way of bridging the traditional divide between educational theory and professional practice.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Definition (1)
• •
Action research is a research that ANY of us can do on his/her own practice to improve it. It can be conducted with the assistance or guidance of professional researchers in order to improve strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Definition (2)
•
Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice , systematically and carefully , using the techniques of research.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
What is action research?
•
Action research can be described as a family of research methodologies which pursue ACTION (or Change ) and RESEARCH (or Understanding ) at the same time.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
What is AR? (Cont’d)
• • • •
Action research is inquiry or research in the context of focused efforts to improve the quality of a PRACTICE. It is typically designed and conducted by practitioners who analyze the data to improve their own practice. Action research can be done by individuals or by teams of colleagues. The team approach is called collaborative inquiry. Action research has the potential to generate genuine and sustained improvements in schools.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Why AR?
• • • • •
AR gives educators new opportunities to reflect on and assess their teaching; To explore and test new ideas, methods, and materials; To assess how effective the new approaches were; To share feedback with fellow team members; To make decisions about which new approaches to include in the practice.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Participatory Action Research (PAR)
• • • • • •
PAR is research involves all relevant parties in actively examining together current action (which they experience as problematic) in order to change it and improve it. They do this by critically reflecting on the historical, political, cultural, economic, geographic and other relevant contexts. It aims to be active “Team-Research”, by and for those to be helped.
It cannot be used by one group of people to get another group of people to do what they think is best for them ; AR is genuinely democratic or non-coercive (By practitioners for practitioners)
Reference Wadsworth, Y. (1998)
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
How Action Research is Done?
•
Using a Cyclic or Spiral process which alternates between Action and critical Reflection, and
•
Continuously refining methods, data and interpretation in the light of the understanding developed in the earlier cycles.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Characteristics of A.R.
• • •
It is an emergent process which takes shape as understanding increases; It is an iterative process which converges towards a better understanding of what happens; It is participative (Change is usually easier to achieve when those affected by the change are involved) and qualitative.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Why AR?
• It is participatory ; • It is “from within” and not from an external “Expert’s eye” • Very real “presences” can emerge in the dynamically unfolding relations which can teach us new ways of conducting our practice.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
• • •
Why AR? (Cont’d)
It is the most logical way of doing research on societal and community issues. Sometimes , it does not make sense to go to an outsider ,with often shaky or no knowledge of the given situation, thinking that with a few questions, he/she can get enlightening answers. It is difficult to grasp the issues of a group or community by an outsider who has limited interaction with the group. Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Key Topics
• • • • •
Purposes and uses of Action Research Types of action research designs Key characteristics of action research Steps in conducting an action research study Evaluating an action research study
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
What is action research?
• Action research
is systematic inquiry done by teachers (or other individuals in an educational setting) to gather information about, and subsequently improve, the ways their particular educational setting operates, how they teach, and how well their students learn
(Mills, 2000).
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
When do you use action research?
1. To solve an educational problem; 2. To help educators reflect on their own practices 3. To address school-wide problems 4. When teachers want to improve their practices
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
How did action research
2000s
develop?
Teacher and school inquiries (e.g. teacher-initiated research studies)
1990s 1980s
School-based site councils (e.g. School Committees) Professional inquiry by teachers (e.g. self-study)
1970s
In-service days (e.g. teacher staff development activities)
Toward Action Research in the USA
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action research designs
Action Research Practical
•
Studying local practices Involving individual or team based inquiry
•
Focusing on teacher development and student learning
•
Implementing a plan of action
•
Leading to the teacher-as-researcher Participatory
•
Studying social issues that constrain individual lives
•
Emphasizing equal collaboration
•
Focusing on “life-enhancing changes”
•
Resulting in the emancipated researcher
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Practical action research: The Research Spiral (Mills, 2000)
Identify an Area of Focus Develop an Action Plan Collect Data Analyze and Interpret Data
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Participatory action research
• • • • •
Participatory: people conduct studies on themselves Practical and collaborative Emancipatory (Challenges procedures) Helps individuals free themselves from constraints found in media, language, work procedures, and power relationships Reflexive focused on bringing about change in practices
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research Interacting Spiral
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Key characteristics of Action Research
• • • • • •
A practical focus The educator-researcher’s own practices Collaboration Dynamic process A plan of action Sharing research
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Practical focus
•
A problem that will have immediate benefits for
–
Single teacher
–
Schools
–
Communities
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Study of the educator researcher’s own practices
•
Self-reflective research by the educator researchers turns the lens on their own educational classroom, school, or practices.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Teachers
Collaboration
Students Community Stakeholders Collaborative Team Parents Staff Administrators
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
A dynamic process
• • •
Dynamic process of spiraling back and forth among reflection , data collection , and action Does not follow a Does not follow a problem to action linear causal pattern sequence from
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
A plan of action
• •
The action researcher develops a plan of action
•
Formal or informal; involve a few individuals or an entire community May be presenting data to stakeholders, establishing a pilot program, or exploring new practices
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Sharing research
• • • •
Groups of stakeholders Local schools, educational personnel Local or state individuals Not specifically interested in publication but in sharing with individuals or groups who can promote change
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
The problem is only one phase in which to enter
Identifying “Problem” Collecting Data Evaluating Existing Data Taking Action Point of Entry Point of Entry Point of Entry
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Point of Entry
What are the steps in conducting action research?
•
Determine if action research is the best design to use.
• •
Identify the problem to study Locate resources to help address the problem
•
Identify the information you will need
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Taxonomy of action research data collection techniques
Action Research Data Collection Techniques (The Three E’s) Examining
(by using records)
Experiencing
(By observing) Participant Observation (Active participant)
Enquiring
(By asking) Passive Observer Informal Interview Structured formal Interview Questionnaires Attitude Scales Standardized Tests Archival documents Journals Maps Audio and Videotapes Artifacts Fieldnotes Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
What are the steps in conducting action research?
• • • •
Implement the data collection Analyze the data Develop a plan for action Implement the plan and reflect
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
How do you evaluate action research?
• • •
Does the project clearly address a problem or issue in practice that needs to be solved?
Did the action researcher collect sufficient data to address the problem?
Did the action researcher collaborate with others during the study? Was there respect for all collaborators?
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
• • •
How do you evaluate action research?
Did the plan of action advanced by the researcher build logically from the data?
Is there evidence that the plan of action contributed to the researcher’s reflection as a professional?
Has the research enhanced the lives of the participants by empowering them, changing them, or providing them with new understanding?
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
How do you evaluate action research?
• •
Did the action research actually lead to change or did a solution to a problem make the difference?
Was the action research reported to audiences who might use the information?
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
10 Coping Strategies
Jean McNiff, Action Research, Principles and Practice, McNiff,1988, 144-145
1. Don't Give Up 2. Enlist the Help of Colleagues 3. Keep a Positive Attitude 4. Be Prepared to Compromise 5. Be Generous 6. Go Public 7. Join a Local Action Research Group 8. Establish a Reputation for Success 9. Publish Reports in Journals 10. Have Faith in Your Own Knowledge.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
10 Guidelines for Teachers
Fullan and Hargreaves (1991), quoted in Change Forces, Fullan, 1993, 144
1) Locate, listen to and articulate your inner voice 2) Practice reflection in action, on action, and about action.
3) Develop a risk-taking mentality.
4) Trust processes as well as people.
5) Appreciate the total person in working with others.
6) Commit to working with colleagues.
7) Redefine your role to extend beyond the classroom.
8) Push and support principals and other administrators to develop interactive professionalism.
9) Commit to continuous improvement and perpetual learning.
10)Monitor and strengthen the connection between your development and students' development
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Improving School Effectiveness Using the PDSA Cycle and The Action Plan
Carlos Viera Miami-Dade Count Public Schools
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Plan-Do-Study-Act
• • •
An approach to process analysis and improvement.
Involves constantly defining and redefining the customers’ needs and wants.
PDSA is a versatile tool that can be used for planning , problem solving , and decision making to solve problems in the classroom.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Benefits of PDSA Instructional Cycle
1.
2.
3.
4.
Teachers have flexibility in
how
to teach by focusing on
what
to teach.
It emphasizes
key skills
for every student and allows them to
retain
skills in order to
build
higher skills.
It encourages
collaboration
among teachers, students, and instructional support staff.
It promotes
active learning
and
student involvement
in the learning process.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
It places the
ultimate responsibility
of learning
on the learner
It
aligns
planning, instruction, assessment, and support towards students performance.
It is
data driven
so it removes subjectivity.
It contributes to climate of
achievement
and
success.
It is a proven approach that
achieves results
.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
The Eight-Step Process
1. Test Score Disaggregation
Student test scores used to identify Instructional groups (weak/strong).
2. Time Line Development
Develop time line encompassing all objective areas based on student needs .
3. Instructional Focus
Deliver Instructional focus lessons to students based on schedule.
4. Assessment
Administer an assessment to identify mastery and non-mastery students.
5. Tutorials
Provide tutorial time to re-teach non mastered target areas.
7. Maintenance
Provides materials for ongoing maintenance and re-teaching .
6. Enrichment
Provide enrichment opportunities for mastery students.
8. Monitoring
Principal assumes the role of instructional leader, involved in teaching and learning process .
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
An Example: The PDSA Cycle at the School Site
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Plan : •
Disaggregate data:
•
Know where you are/going
•
To show improvement
•
Evaluates teachers/students
•
Ongoing to identify any problems
•
Provides instructional direction
•
Create Calendar to achieve goals
Do : •
Instructional Focus:
•
Make it a school wide activity
•
Provide instructional focus sheets to teachers and other faculty
•
Solicit feedback from teachers
•
Ask students randomly what is the instructional focus.
Act Study •
Reinforce
– review what has been taught
•
Refocus (Development
) -remediate during school hours for non mastery students
• •
Provide frequent assessments
•
Collect data to identify mastery and/or non-mastery Assessments should “look and feel” like accountability tests.
•
Refocus (Enrichment
)- mastery
•
Teachers should meet to review students receive advanced or challenging work scores and share improvement ideas.
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
AR Links
•
http://educ.queensu.ca/projects/action_research/15quote.htm
http://carbon.cudenver.edu/~mryder/reflect/act_res.html
http://arj.sagepub.com/
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Action Research (Geoffrey E. Mills, 2
nd
Edition)
•
Slides from Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
A Comparison of Traditional Research and Action Research What?
Traditional Research Action Research Who?
Conducted by university professors, scholars, and graduate students on experimental and control groups Conducted by teachers and principals on children in their care Where?
In schools and classrooms
•
Action Research engages teachers in a four-step process 1. Identify an area of focus 2. Collect Data 3. Analyze and interpret data 4. Develop an action plan
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
•
1.
The values of critical action research dictate that all educational research should be socially responsive as well as: Democratic- Enabling participation of people 2.
3.
4.
Equitable- Acknowledging people’s equality of worth Liberating-Providing freedom from oppressive, debilitating conditions Enhancing-Enabling the expression of people’s full human potential (stringer,1993 p.148)
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
The Process of Action Research
• • •
Actually try the process to convince yourself that the investment of time and energy are worth the outcomes Recognize that action research is a process that can be undertaken without negatively affecting your personal and professional life Seek support from your professional colleagues
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Clarifying a General Idea and an Area of Focus
• • •
Statement/Observation: Students do not seem to be engaged during teen theater productions
–
Questions: How can I improve their engagement ?
Statement. Observation: Students take a lot of time to learn problem solving in mathematics, but this process doesn’t appear to transfer to their acquisition of other mathematics skills and knowledge
–
Question: How can I improve the integration and transfer of problem-solving skills in mathematics?
Statement/Observation: Parents are unhappy with regular parent-teacher conferences
–
Question: How can I improve the conferencing process using student-led conferences?
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
The Action Research Plan
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Write an area-of-focus statement Define the variables Develop research questions Describe the intervention or innovations Describe the membership of the action research group Describe negotiations that need to be undertaken Develop a timeline Develop a statement of resources Develop data collection ideas
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
For Further Thought
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What general ideas do you have for action research?
What is your area of focus?
Complete the following statement: “The purpose of the study is to…” Conduct an initial search of the related literature using ERIC on-line Conduct an action plan that includes an area-of-focus statement, definitions, research questions, a description of the intervention, membership of the action research group, negotiations to be undertaken, a timeline, the necessary resources for the project, and data collection ideas
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Outline of AR report
• • • • • • • •
1. Area of Focus 2. Related Literature 3. Defining Variables 4. Research questions 5. Description of the intervention 6. Data collection 7.Data Analysis 8. Action Plan
Action Research - Power Point by: Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU