Chapter 11 Action Research & Evaluation Research

1. Introduction to Educational Research (5th ed.) Craig A. Mertler & C.M. Charles Chapter 11 Action Research & Evaluation Research

2. Action Research • A “catchall” label for research done by teachers, administrators, and other on-site educators • Less formal research (i.e., it is very applied in nature) • Purposes are to solve local problems & to develop reflective practice • Can be conducted at any (local) level • Focus is on development, implementation of new product, plan, or procedure (not on generalizability) • Major benefit—provides an immediate solution to a problem • Major drawback—less precise; subject to errors (bias, validity, reliability); results in limited findings

3. Importance of Action Research • Action research… • Is persuasive and authoritative. • Is relevant. • Allows teachers access to research findings. • Is not a fad. • Can become an integral part of the daily process of teaching.

4. Characteristics of Action Research • Action research… • Represents a process. • Is educators working together to improve their practice. • Is about developing reflection. • Is open-minded. • Is a critical analysis of our particular work. • Is cyclical. • Is more systematic than typical teaching or simple problem solving.

5. Characteristics of Action Research (cont’d.) • Action research…two important questions: • “Why should I become involved in an action research project, especially with all the demands and responsibilities placed on me as an educator?” • “Why doesn’t everyone do action research?”

6. The Action Research Process (1) Identify a problem or need (2) Collect information and resources (3) Prepare objectives, activities, procedures (4) Implement the project (5) Monitor the procedures, participant reactions, etc. (6) Identify strengths & weaknesses of the project (7) Revise project by focusing on the identified weaknesses (8) Assess on-going & long-term results of the project

7. The Action Research Process (cont’d.) …or a more simplified version: Acting Planning Observing Start here Reflecting

8. A Published Example of Action Research Schnitzer, S. (1993). Designing an authentic assessment. Educational Leadership, 50(7), 32–35. See “Additional Examples of Published Action Research Studies” for 9 additional articles, available through ResearchNavigatorTM (http://www.researchnavigator.com)

9. Evaluation Research • Conducted to determine the merits of educational products and approaches • Can be used for formal assessments of products developed during action research projects • Can consist of qualitative methods, quantitative methods, or both • Focus is often on one or more of the following: • Instructional methods • Curriculum materials • Programs • Organizations • Educators • Students

10. Specific Methods Used in Evaluation Research • Comparative content analysis—comparison to some set of standards • Analysis of theoretical, philosophical, or moral beliefs/approaches • Staff acceptance • Changes produced in staff • Student acceptance and/or involvement • Outcome student achievement or behavior

11. A Published Example of Evaluation Research Pate-Bain, H., Achilles, C., Boyd-Zaharias, J., & McKenna, B. (1992). Class size does make a difference. Phi Delta Kappan, 74, 253–256. See “Additional Examples of Published Evaluation Research Studies” for 9 additional articles, available through ResearchNavigatorTM (http://www.researchnavigator.com)

12. Applying Technology… Web sites covering topics related to action & evaluation research ”Creating Possibilities -- An Action Research Handbook" (http://www.epsb.ca/pd/pegasus/creatingcont.htm) “You Want to do an Action Research Thesis?" (http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/gcm/ar/art/arthesis.hmtl) “Research to Practice: Guidelines for Planning Action Research Projects" (http://literacy.kent.edu/Oasis/Pubs/0200-08.htm) “Classroom Action Research” (http://madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carhomepage.html) Dr. Trochim’s "Introduction to Evaluation" (http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/intreval.htm) Dr. Trochim’s discussion of "The Planning-Evaluation Cycle" (http://trochim.human.cornell.edu/kb/pecycle.htm)