ACTION RESEARCH PLAN
- Write an area-of-focus statement.
The purpose of this study is to…
Align current instruction with existing unit projects and a real-world authentic problem and study how this impacts my students.
- Explain its connection to reform-based science education.
This study attempts to addresses the following central aspects of reform-based science education:
Teaching science in a context that is real to the field of science, the disciplinary nature of science.
- Define your variables.
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The way I’ll know it when I see it:
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unit design
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student affect for chemistry
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student perception of relevance
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unit test score
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student understanding of nature of science
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- Develop research questions.
How does situating instruction in authentic problems impact students’
1. understanding of the unit of study?
2. understanding of core concepts in the unit?
3. understanding of the nature of science?
3. perception of relevance?
4. affect for chemistry?
Describe the intervention or innovations.
I will…
Create two units and modify existing literacy projects so that they are aligned with an authentic problem.
- Describe the membership of the action research group.
I will be working with Sarah to collaborate on data collection, analysis, and reporting. We will each analyze two to three areas that we are studying.
- Describe negotiations that need to be undertaken.
Permissions needed from administrators? Parents? Students? Colleagues?
Not sure if there are any. Perhaps from students.
- Develop a timeline.
Phase 1 (August – November). Identify area of focus, review related literature, develop research questions, and reconnaissance.
Phase 2 (January/ February) Implement changes in two units and Collect Data
Phase 3 (March) Analyze Data
Phase 4 (March/April) Report on Action Research
(Note: The main effort should be implemented in February, 2008).
- Develop a statement of resources.
not sure
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9. Develop data collection ideas.
(If you have drafts of surveys, interview protocols, etc., please attach them.)
Design surveys, conduct interviews, analyze test data, and analyze reflection sheets from the literacy projects.
- Describe your intentions or hopes for publication.
Not sure