Required Reading
Action Research
by Craig A. Mertler
The required reading for EDLD 5315 was Mertler's Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators. Mertler provides a clear blueprint and how-to for establishing the right questions, identifying the correct approach, and yielding accurate data. Unlike writing my literature review in EDLD 5305, I starting my research this go around with a better inquiry and research foundation. My innovation plan focuses on the benefits of ePortfolios is middle school design classrooms, but my research, or search inquires don't have to be one dimensional. Mertler's Action Research provides step-by-step instructions on how to conduct an accurate and applicable research. The bases to any great research are the questions. In class Dr. Meewuse reminded us to avoid questions with yes or no answers. Don't simple ask, does something work, ask how does it work. We were charged to dig deeper and ask better questions to yield the answers we really seek. The data you acquire from your research also relies heavily on the questions you ask. For example, in my action research outline my action research question was "How do ePortfolios and blogging foster student accountability and growth?" Asking my question this way results in research that will help me prove that ePs and blogging are effective tools to measure growth in writing, reflection, and self-assessment. The ADL program has many required readings, but this book is definitely one I will refer back to as I continue to build and expand my research and develop programs for student ePs.
Action Research Outline
Dr. Meewuse provided us with an outline/template to help us prepare and plan our research process. The foundation of any research are the questions. We had to first establish a topic, purpose, and question. From there we had to select a research design. My design was Qualitative due to the fluid and personal nature of ePortfolios. lUnlike traditional assessments, ePortfolios don't yield numerical data like scores or grades, instead they measure growth through reflection blogs, collaboration and discourse. In my research I also used student surveys to gauge student understanding and progress. I also included parents in my survey collection, however, I didn't get much participation. I am hopeful that as I continue this project over the next few years that parents will be more inclined to participate.
Unlike my first literature review, I did not have my own data to refer to. This time, my students are actually building their ePortfolios and I am able to assess, observe, and adjust the project as we go. I am enjoying the in-class conversations taking place in our classroom, but what I've noticed that has the most impact and shows the most growth in my student's ability to think critically, is there resourcefulness. They have normalized using the provided resources to troubleshoot their issues. They are also doing a great job of using each other and their learning communities. I am proud of their growth and what I see and I am confident that the skills acquired or strengthened during this project will help them as continue on to high school, higher education or the workforce.
Literature Review
Designing the Future: The Benefits of ePortfolios and Blogging
by: Ashleigh Carter Kegler
My literature review is a labor of love. I have always thought of myself as a strong writer, but I now understand that expository writing is not my wheelhouse. I found it very difficult to paraphrase and avoid self-plagiarism, which I still don't have a comprehensive understanding of. However, I am proud of my research, my data collection, and my observations.
Action Research Plan
Designing the Future: The Benefits of ePortfolios and Blogging
by: Ashleigh Carter Kegler
My Action Research Plan is my approach to the next 15 months. I was fortunate enough to actually run the ePortfolio project with my 8th graders this year and the feedback from both students and parents have been, let's say, overwhelming. As I continue to wade through my feedback and make adjustments to the project I am working with my CTE department to pilot an 8th-12th grade ePortfolio program. Not only are ePs a TEK for my content area, but they are also requirements for all CTE students. I am hopeful that with my research and experience I can jumpstart a program in my district that will out live me.
Comments