EDU 675 Week 5

Discussion 1

1. School Leaders - Engage!
   
   Action research has long been the research method used in education and in many organizations for the purpose improving the art of teaching and leading. However, there are those that strongly criticize this research method. Proponents of traditional research methods argue that the data that is collected in action research is not reliable and does not yield valid results in part, because of possible research bias (Mckay & Marshall, 2001).
   
   Initial Post: Read the articles from Fitchman-Dana (n.d) and Eikeland (2003) and explain in your post how action research will benefit your setting/organization by granting teachers and other leaders the ability to identify and solve their own problems. Consider, too, the arguments opposing the use of action research as a validated research methodology. The second article is a controversial narrative where the author responds to a previous writing which has highlighted the reasons that action research is not a viable research method. Post your summary of the importance of action research as depicted in these articles and what points resonate during the implementation of your research.
   
   
   • Eikeland, O. (2003). Unmet challenges and unfulfilled promises in action research. Concepts & Transformation, 8(3), 265-273. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database.
   • Fitchman-Dana, N. (n.d.). Top 5 reasons for school leaders to engage in action research. Retrieved from http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=12826

    

   100 words minimum

    

   Discussion 2

    

   Data Analysis and Early Feedback 

    

   School leaders have found many benefits from the implementation of action research methodology to initiate the change process (Buczynski & Hansen, 2014; Mills, 2014). It has been stated that action research “has been and continues to be a process of practical and grounded inquiry that reflects in its origins the empowerment of teacher to identify and solve their own problems” (Stringer, 2007, p. 32). Further, Buczynski and Hansen (2014 p. 365) explain that action research provides a clear path to understanding change because it is a “powerful tool” that guides our decisions and practices. As you have now finished implementing your intervention/innovation directly, this discussion provides the opportunity to prepare your data analysis as is expected for the final project, and to share it in the discussion forum for the purpose of providing and receiving feedback from your peers. This collaboration and preparation will further inform your analysis and revisions in preparation for the final project in Week Six.

    

   Initial Post: Post your data analysis as an attachment following the format outlined below:

• Data Collection Strategies: In one-to-two pages, describe the data obtained through the observations. Charts, diagrams, or other visual depictions of your data may be included.
• Outcome Analysis: In one-to-two pages, present your conclusions of your data analysis. Explain the specific strategies that were successful, which strategies did not work as well as was anticipated? Additionally, explain how the strategies support the research questions.

100 words minimum

Required Resources

1. Read from your text, The change leader in education: Roles and strategies in the differentiated environment:
   
   • Chapter 7
     
   • Chapter 9
        
     
2. Eikeland, O. (2003). Unmet challenges and unfulfilled promises in action research. Concepts & Transformation, 8(3), 265-273. Retrieved from EBSCOhost database. 
   
   • This article is a controversial narrative where the author responds to a previous writing which has highlighted the reasons that Action Research is not a viable research method. 
     
     
3. Fitchman-Dana, N. (n.d.). Top 5 reasons for school leaders to engage in action research. Retrieved from http://www.aasa.org/content.aspx?id=12826 
   
   • This article explains how action research can be a strategic and professional development strategy for teachers. 
     
     
4. Mills, G. E. (2014). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
   
   • Chapter 6

Recommended Resource

1. Barbara Nesbitt. (2007, November 28). A Vision of K-12 Students Today [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8
   
   • This inspiring video demonstrates methods of engaging learning to help students develop higher level thinking skills.
     
     
2. Mckay, J., & Marshall, P. (2001). The dual imperatives of action research. It & People, 14(1), 46-59. Retrieved from http://www.cse.chalmers.se/~feldt/advice/mckay_2001_double_imperatives_in_action_research.pdf 
   
   • This article explains the pros and cons of using action research as a valid research methodology.