Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Week 3- Steps to Follow

 

 

Action Research Steps to Follow

Action Planning Template
Goal: How can I help increase the knowledge base and confidence of teachers on technology integration?
Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation
Examining the work:  After collaboration with Ms. Wells we decided that we had a large amount of teachers who were not comfortable with the new technology in our classrooms, therefore, not using it effectively or not at all.





Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells

Start: 6/2012

End: 7/2012
Meeting space and time
We concluded there was a need to continue on in our study.
Analyzing data:
We decided to use surveys, modeling, observations, and reflections as a way to obtain data. We would compare what the teachers were capable of doing and how they felt about technology before and after the research was conducted.


Lindsey Franklin
Start: 6/2012

End: 10/2012

Ongoing thru-out the process.
Computer, Internet access.
Contact time with staff.
Early indications show that multiple hands-on opportunities to use technology in a relevant way will improve the knowledge base and confidence of teachers and technology use.
Developing deeper understanding:
Currently we are developing the surveys, a list of willing and applicable participants.





Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells
Start: 6/2012

End: 10/2012

Ongoing thru-out the process.
Computer and Internet access.
Contact time with study group.
In this step we are examining the steps and process of the study.

Engaging in
Self-Reflection:

I will use self-reflection to identify any biases I may have, how to better implement the activities, and how will the time taken to see the project through affect me as a classroom teacher and mother.



Lindsey Franklin
Start: 6/2012

End: 10/2012
Ongoing thru-out the process.

No resources needed.

This step will be ongoing throughout the action research project.
Exploring Programmatic Patterns:
As we get back more of our data and develop a deeper understanding of how the group members are progressing, feelings are changing, and how needs are changing we will need to be able to identify any problems beforehand or as soon as possible.






Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells
Start: 6/2012

End: 10/2012

Ongoing thru-out the process.
Meeting time with site-mentor and reflection time. Contact time with study group.
As we evaluate all the data we are gathering we will need to be able to make any changes as needed.
Determining Direction:
In this step we will need to be clear on the action research question, applicable teachers willing to participate, activities planned, and time available.




Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells
Start: 6/2012

End: 7/2012
Access to key personnel in the district. Contact time with study group.
As we begin our action research project we will need to be sure we have a clear inquiry question and are aware of changes needed throughout the project.
Taking action for school improvement:
During this step we will need to develop professional development that will be available to all staff members. This will need to be approved through the proper channels beginning with our campus principal.





Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells
Start: 10/2012
End: Ongoing

Access to key personnel in the district. Contact time with study group.
During this time we will need to make sure our written plan is error free. We will need to be ready to analyze the data gained and summarize it in a written report to obtain time and space for professional development.
Sustain Improvement:
As we discover the most effective activities to train teachers in technology we will need to be prepared to share the findings with other campuses.
Lindsey Franklin
Taryn Wells
TBA
Time and funding for additional Professional Development for key personnel in the district.
We plan on having continuous, applicable technology training for staff members in the district.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools
(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

6 comments:

  1. After reviewing your Action Research Plan I wondered about the "large group of teachers" that you say you will be working with. I think it would be pertinent to your research if you include a bit of background about these teachers. In a generalized form, I would like to know:
    How large is this group of teachers? 20, 30, 40?
    What is the age range? (Maybe they are used to doing things the old way & resist to changes/new technology)
    What grade level will you be focusing on? Or What grade range do these teachers teach?
    Do these teachers have lots of technological devices in their classrooms?
    Is the problem that you see more with the use of software or hardware?

    Just thought I help you, by sharing my wonderings about your action research plan :)

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  2. Lindsey you should add the Gadget "follower" to your blog so that others can follow your blog. Just go to the dashboard, click layout, add gadget, follower, and save :)

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    Replies
    1. I think I have it at the bottom. I put it on the first week and have two followers so far. Maybe I should move it to the top. Thanks for your suggestions. I will be going back and adding more detail about the teachers. Although, there is a little more information about the research posted in my action research plan. You can view it in another post. Thanks again for your suggestions!

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    2. I moved the "follower" gadget to the top. I think it will be a lot easier for people to find. Thanks, again.

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  3. I have found that finding teachers who use the technology in their classroom are great sources for those teachers more resistant to learning. Last year, myself and the other technology specialist would do tech lessons or in-service for the teachers and we would "hear" "Well they know how to do all that" and "I don't have time to try that". So then we went around to the amazing teachers who were trying these things in their classroom and asked them to be the leaders for in-service and we got better reception from our teachers.

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    Replies
    1. I am glad to hear that you were able to get more teachers on board. This is only my second year on this campus, third with the district, so my ideas are still sometimes looked over for others who have more seniority. I think the teachers we chose to work with will be receptive and then others will follow when they are able to share their success. Thanks for your post.

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