assign2

SG

October 14, 2012

Research Task #2: Data Collection

Research Questions:

• Can a reverse lunch schedule effect disruptive student behaviors upon returning

from a reverse lunch schedule?

• Which behaviors decreased and which remain a concern?

Triangulated Data Collection:

I have chosen to gather a combination of quantitative and qualitative data through

a triangulated plan, as described by Altrichter (2008) and Sagor (2000). This triangulated

plan consists of methods to gather existing data, observational data, and probes.

I would gather two forms of existing data, one quantitative and one qualitative in

nature. The quantitative data would be gathered by either the teacher researcher or a

classroom observer keeping track of the occurrence of various disruptive behaviors upon

returning from a regular lunch schedule. As a teacher researcher, I would also gather

qualitative data by maintaining a journal to record my reflections and observations of

students’ behaviors upon returning from a regular lunch schedule.

The observational data would gather primarily quantitative data and would allow

for a comparison of student behaviors when participating in a regular lunch schedule

versus a reverse lunch schedule. Classroom participating teachers would use either video

footage or a classroom observer to tally the occurrence of disruptive student behaviors

upon returning from a reverse lunch schedule.

Finally, probes would also be used to compile information from participating

teachers. These probes would elicit final evaluation information from teachers regarding

behaviors that have reduced in occurrence, remained the same, or increased. Teachers

will be given the opportunity to share their opinions of the effects of the reverse lunch

schedule on the occurrence of disruptive student behavior and other relevant information.

Data Organization and Analysis:

The existing data, observational data, and the data gathered through probes, as

described in the triangulated data collection plan will be organized into the following

matrix in order to determine whether or not disruptive behaviors have decreased,

increased, or remained the same.

The data revealed through the journals and probes would be coded and organized

in an effort to reveal other trends according to teacher opinions about the effectiveness of

the reverse lunch schedule in reducing disruptive student behaviors. I feel this is an

important element of this action research project as it may lead to further inquiry and help

gage teacher buy-in of the reverse lunch schedule.

References

Student Behaviors that Disrupt Teaching and Learning

Unrelated

Questions Off Task Student Conflict Tardy Other

Regular Lunch

Schedule

Reverse

Lunch

Schedule

Altrichter, H., Feldman, A., Posch, P., & Somekh, B. (2008). Teachers investigate their

work: An introduction to action research across the professions (2nd Edition ed.).

New York, New York: Routledge Taylor & Francis Group.

Sagor, R. (2000). Guiding school improvement with action research. Alexandria,

Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.