Action-Based Research

Questions that Burn

What is “Action Research?”

Short-term: Looking at an immediate problem. Often “how do we get from ___ to ___?”

Long-term: Reflective process. Often collaborative.

Can this change or improve my practice?

Burning Question

Case Study: Klaus Schmidt,

Illinois State University (2001)

1. Klaus’s Burning Questions

• Do students obtain the same learning outcomes on-line as they do in a traditional classroom setting?

• Do students perceive their on-line classroom environment to be comparable with a traditional classroom setting?

Thoughts? Predictions?

2. Review of Literature

• Most literature sees little difference in outcomes online vs. classroom instruction.

So, why proceed?

3. Research Strategy

• 6 week, rotating cycle.

• 3 weeks in class, 3 weeks online.

4. Data Gathering

• Perception questionnaire

• Multiple-choice assessment

• Two exercises designed to assess higher-level thinking skills

5. Data Analysis

• No need to make it complex: look at the results.

• Decide what to do with anomalies.

6. Taking Action

• neither teaching method appeared to be more effective than the other.

But even this has action points:

7. Sharing Findings

• Can be very dependent on whether you got funding, and where from…

8. Conclusion

• What have you found out, and are there any next steps?

• Future action research project?

Opportunities Right Now

• Royal Society Partnership Grant Scheme

• Scholarships for Teachers and SEN Support Staff (DfE)

• The Goldsmiths’ Grant for Teachers

• In Your School?