Using Action Research to Improve Instruction: An Interactive Guide for Teachers

by Henning; John E.

• ISBN13: 9780415991742
• ISBN10: 0415991749
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781135852122
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Nonspecific Binding
• Copyright: 2008-11-26
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Action research is increasingly used as a means for teachers to improve their instruction, yet for many the idea of doing "research" can be somewhat intimidating. Using Action Research to Improve Instructionoffers a comprehensive, easy-to-understand approach to action research in classroom settings. This engaging and accessible guide is grounded in sources of data readily available to teachers, such as classroom observations, student writing, surveys, interviews, and tests. Organized to mirror the action research process, the highly interactive format prompts readers to discover a focus, create research questions, address design and methodology, collect information, conduct data analysis, communicate the results, and to generate evidence-based teaching strategies. Engaging in these decision-making processes builds the skills essential to action research and promotes a deeper understanding of teaching practice. Special Features Include: -An Interactive Text -Reflection Questions and Activity Prompts -A Sample Action Research Report -Numerous Examples and Practice Examples -Numbered Sections for Cross Referencing This original text is a must-read for teachers interested in how they can use their current knowledge of instruction and assessment to meaningfully engage in action research.

Author Biography

John E. Henning is Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Northern Iowa Jody M. Stone is Professor of Education at the University of Northern Iowa James L. Kelly is Professor in the Department of Teaching at the University of Northern Iowa

Table of Contents

List of figures	p. ix
List of tables	p. xi
Preface	p. xiii
Acknowledgements	p. xvii
Introduction	p. 1
An Introduction to Action Research	p. 3
What is Educational Research?	p. 3
What is Action Research?	p. 5
Creating a Research Persona	p. 7
Plan, Collect Data, Analyze, and Reflect	p. 8
Research Ethics	p. 10
Summary	p. 14
Planning an Action Research Project	p. 15
Introduction	p. 15
Formulating a Research Question	p. 15
Searching for a Strategy	p. 19
Searching the Educational Literature	p. 22
Selecting the Methods	p. 29
Summary	p. 34
Making Observations	p. 35
Observing Students and Their Work	p. 37
Introduction	p. 37
Making Careful Observations	p. 38
Steps in Observational Research	p. 40
Observing Students	p. 41
Using Checklists	p. 49
Analyzing Student Work	p. 50
Analyzing Student Talk	p. 53
Summary	p. 61
Observing Teachers	p. 62
Introduction	p. 62
Steps in Observing Teachers	p. 63
Open-Ended Observations	p. 63
Using Checklists	p. 64
Analyzing Audiotapes, Videotapes, or Verbatim Transcripts	p. 70
Summary	p. 76
Gathering Perceptions	p. 77
Using Surveys in Action Research	p. 79
Introduction	p. 79
Steps in Survey Research	p. 80
Plan	p. 80
Collect Data	p. 88
Analyze	p. 88
Reflect	p. 92
Summary	p. 93
Using Interviews in Action Research	p. 94
Introduction	p. 94
Steps in Conducting an Interview	p. 95
Types of Interviews	p. 95
Determining Your Research Question	p. 96
Selecting Participants	p. 97
Writing Interview Questions	p. 98
Preparation for the Interview	p. 101
Conducting the Interview	p. 102
Analyzing the Interview Data	p. 102
Summary	p. 106
Analyzing Test Results	p. 109
Standardized Test Analysis	p. 111
Introduction	p. 111
Steps in Analyzing Standardized Tests	p. 112
Comparing to the Norm (by Individual)	p. 113
Comparing to the Norm (by Class, Grade Level, Building, or District)	p. 115
Disaggregating Data	p. 117
Analyzing Trends	p. 120
Mixed Analysis	p. 123
Correlating Data	p. 124
Summary	p. 126
Pre- and Post-Tests	p. 128
Introduction	p. 128
Steps in Comparing Pre- and Post-Tests	p. 129
Comparing Pre- and Post-Tests	p. 129
Comparing Subgroups	p. 131
Individual Adaptations	p. 132
Evaluating Teaching Strategies	p. 133
Developing New Teaching Strategies	p. 134
Deciding on a Research Question	p. 135
Summary	p. 135
Talking and Writing about Action Research	p. 137
Collaborating on Action Research	p. 139
Introduction	p. 139
Establishing Group Norms	p. 140
Managing Time	p. 141
Choosing Your Data	p. 141
Structuring the Discussion	p. 142
Summary	p. 147
Reading and Writing Action Research	p. 149
Introduction	p. 149
Plan: Purpose Section	p. 151
Plan: Participants and Setting	p. 151
Plan: Source of Data	p. 152
Data Collection	p. 153
Findings	p. 154
Reflection	p. 156
Summary	p. 157
Action Research Report Example	p. 159
Sample Answers and Discussion Guide	p. 170
Further Reading	p. 200
References	p. 201
Index	p. 203
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