Participatory Action Research for Educational Leadership : Using Data-Driven Decision Making to Improve Schools

by E. Alana James

• ISBN13: 9781412937771
• ISBN10: 1412937779
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-07-17
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

While written for masters students in any Educational Leadership concentration, this is a core text for departments that teach action research as a primary research methodology or a supplemental text for those that place it in a range of research methods. The book provides a readable overview of the PAR process similar to professional learning communities in schools. Its design reaches out to visual learners as graphic elements guide graduate students through the research methods they need to successfully complete rigorous projects. The results of the original PAR study and continued work with educational leaders lead us to believe that this approach ultimately produces the results school leaders seek and appreciate. Key Features: o Clear process through both the PAR steps employing a research logic model throughout. This benefits the graduate student or educational leader by leading them to data driven outcomes that are valid, credible and reliableGraphic elements guide the reader through the process and aid the visual learner in keeping track of the concepts behind the theory. o Reflective questions precede each section. This increases the reflective practices and routines of the reader as appropriate to the PAR process. o Tasks, written for both groups and individuals, aid participatory teams in working towards consensus and strong research designs o Practitioner stories make the lessons real and ease the emotional unease that come from tackling research practices the first time. Intended Audience: This book represents the evolution of PAR from a soft science to a process appropriate for educators in todays data driven environments or for graduate students whose thesis needs to pass the recommendations of professors steeped in positivist traditions.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Welcome to PAR for Educational Leaders

Our Approach to PAR

Our Readers

Features

How to Use This Book

Final Notes

The Participatory Action Research Model

Reflective Questions

PAR---A Tool for Change

PAR as a Tool for Educational Leadership

Reflective Questions

Research and Action in the PAR Process

Reflective Questions

Participatory Research as a Tool to Address Adaptive Change

An Example of PAR Use in the Classroom

Beginning a Reflective Journal

Conclusion

The Tenets of PAR: Ethics, Purpose, and Logic

Reflective Questions

Ethics

Ethical Elements

The Formation of an Ethical Plan for PAR Projects

Reflective Questions

The Power of Purpose

Format for Purpose Statements

Multiple Journal Entries Define Purpose

Reflective Questions

Logic Models

Planning Your First Draft of Your Logic Model

Conclusion

Starting to Research

Reflective Questions

Asking Good Research Questions

PAR Practitioners Reflect On and Share Their Initials

Ideas for Research Questions

Surfacing Assumptions

Surfacing Assumptions

Reflective Questions

Informal and Formal Reviews of Literature

The Mini "Lit Review"

Reflective Questions

A Brief Overview of the Basic Research Methods

Qualitative Methods

Quantitative Methods

Reflective Practice

Reflective Journal Practice

Conclusion

Qualitative Data Collection

How Is Qualitative Evidence Useful?

What Makes Qualitative Evidence Difficult?

Reflective Questions

Qualitative Data Collection Methods

Data Collected Directly in Words From People: Interviews and Focus Groups

Data Collected Through a Process of Change: Reflective Data

Field Notes

Anecdotal Accounts

Data Collected During the Event(s) Being Studied

Observations

Student Work

Logs

Collecting a Variety of Qualitative Data

Reflective Questions

Maximum Success and Rigor

Managing Time and Resources

How to Make It More Rigorous

Introduction to Mixed Methodology

Data-Planning Matrix

Conclusion

Qualitative Analysis

Reflective Questions

Stages in Analyzing Qualitative Evidence

Graphic Organizers

Codes

Memos

Families

Triangulation

Rubrics and Multiple Observers

Similarities and Differences

Reflective Questions

Validity, Credibility, and Reliability in the Analysis of Qualitative Data

Practice Analysis of Data

Conclusion

Quantitative Evidence

Data Found in Schools

Standardized Tests

Reflective Questions

Questions Answered by Quantitative and Mixed Methods

Evidence

Observations and Time Studies

Surveys or Questionnaires

Descriptive Statistics

Variance and Correlation

Complex Questions

Reflective Questions

Quantitative Data Collection

Observations

Questionnaires or Surveys

Samples

Time Series

Reflective Questions

Analysis and Statistical Information

Descriptive Analysis

Frequencies

Survey Analysis

Percentages and Mean

Standard Deviation

The t-TestCorrelation

Reporting Results

Preliminary Quantitative Analysis

Conclusion

Taking and Measuring Action

Reflective Questions

How to Know What Actions to Take

Three Continuums of Action

The Continuum of Actions From Emancipatory to Professional Development

The Continuum From the Individual to the Organizational

Examples of PAR to Foster School Improvement

Teachers or Support Staff in a Classroom or Whole-School SettingPrincipals

Whole Schools or School Districts

Reflective Question

Efforts at Change

The Challenge of Inertia

Defensive Behaviors

Analyzing Force Fields and Defensive Behaviors

Reflective Questions

Measurement

Formative Evaluation

Focus and Responsiveness

Determining Variables With Which to Measure Short-Term Outcomes

Measuring Outcome Steps

Conclusion

Cycles of PAR: The Power of the Iterative Process

Reflective Questions

Messy Cycles

Reflective Questions

Iterative Growth

Diagnosis

Action

Measurement

Reflection

Time Line and Group Process for Significant

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