Sample Action Research Report Evaluation

Sample Action Research Report Evaluation

EDU 671 Fundamentals of Educational Research

Sample Action Research Report Evaluation

Area of Focus

This study will explain and find resolutions to common problems family daycares have when dealing with mixed age children. Daycares are normally known for having age groups ranging from 6 weeks to 12 years old; which causes challenges on meeting each students need based on their developmental stage. It is my belief that this is a common problem in other daycares and my goal is to discover their solutions for my program.

Research Questions

Locus of Control

• What are ways to help in managing diversity in a daycare program?
• What are ways for families to manage the diversity that exists?
• What programs are available that help small programs handle diversity and challenges?

Based on Fourneir (n.d.), an individual who has an “internal locus of control believes that they are able to effect the outcome of events, while someone with an “external locus of control,” blames the outside world for everything. The concentration on this research paper is within my internal locus of control. I believe that I have the talent, resources and capabilities to find answers to these challenges that I am facing.

Data Collection

Data Collection are the tools and techniques that are used when gathering information in the development of action research. There are many techniques when assembling data; which includes: interviews, surveys, questionnaires, observations and experiments. It is imperative to choose a method based on the research and data desired in order to collect vital information accurately (Pawar, 2004).

The data techniques that were utilized in this research paper includes: Rating Scales, Family Questionnaire and Follow-up Interview, Emailing and Interviewing. Data collection methods displayed measureable information from the parent’s questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Responses were documented by staff and parents as an added effort to retain reliable information from e-mails and interviews. The research also showed measureable data collection using the Daycare’s rating scales and direct observations. Student’s behaviors were observed and recorded.

Ethics

One should be reminded that research studies involve ethical considerations (Mills, 2014). It is up to the individual to consider how those ethics relate to the study. Action research is developed on trust, notified approval and ensuring the safety of the participants (Mills, 2014). Each participant was required to sign a consent form acknowledging that they understand that it is not mandatory for them to participate in the study. During this research, attention and care was the focus to maintain trust through accuracy and confidentiality of all given information. Participants were not harmed emotionally, physically or socially in any way and their safety was of high importance.

While research was taking place, one of the challenges that were faced were keeping confidentiality. To sustain this trust with participants, removing names or coding records was done to ensure privacy.

Also, during the research some recordings or findings were asked to be left out. Establishing and maintaining this trust is supreme and leaving any information significant to the research was a bit of a challenge.

Reflective Stance

The action research attempts to add to the researcher’s reflective stance on methods that instructing and learning were watched. The researcher views learning as difficult human process and something that is achieved through life experiences (Hollis, 1995). Children add to past experiences by prior experiences and preceding knowledge to process concepts, they advance in their knowledge and understanding. The researcher trusts that she is only a facilitator to encourage students on exploring, discovering and collecting new knowledge and become effective participants in their learning (Hollis, 1995). Based on research, it is evident that learning and teaching of the students is based on their own willingness and eagerness.

Action

Due to this study, there was a significant action that developed. One of the actions were the integration of technology. This research project brought such excitement to both students and teachers and has been contagious. Teachers have become more interested in incorporating technology into their curriculum and have taken training courses; creating great outcomes from students relating to discipline and academics.

Action-Data Connection

The projected action links to the study’s data analysis and interpretation. The interpretation and data analysis displayed an increase in student interest when learning with technology. Due to this study, teachers were able to understand how incorporating technology in the classroom can influence students and their involvement while learning. Now teachers are just as eager about including technology in their classroom curriculum.

Reflection – Learning

Since this study and the methods of evaluating it and reflecting on the insight, this researcher gave me incidentally regarding the development of action research I have learned some useful knowledge. Understanding that learning is through life experiences for children it is better to combine different strategies into the curriculum to assist and involve students in their learning.

In regards to managing a research project. I understand now that there a positive and negatives in research projects. As the researcher toiled in finding an answer to her questions, she had obstacles to overcome with the scarcity of computers. Conquering that obstacle she was able to communicate some imperative outcomes with her fellow teachers. This caused for a great outpouring of excitement that the entire school was changed as a result. Being a witness of this challenge and the outcome it produced, motivates me in wanting to overcome those personal challenges that I may face in my daily life and organize my own action research project.

Reflection – Application

After this sample project review, I have gained new knowledge to utilize on my Final Project. I now understand how to present the findings of when studying. During this time, presentation can be critical. It should be noted that ineffective or unfitting presentation can result in an action study that creates ineffectual results for others. The presentation has to be clear and precise as an added effort to understand and analyze the results by relating them to other circumstances.

I now understand that action research without questions are worthless. Every research project should come with a questions that needs to be answer. These questions help in directing the researcher to the appropriate literature, data collection and finally the action research plan. Working with this research project has showed me how crucial it is to have questions and how they will affect you entire project.

Finally as an Early Childhood Educator and a parent, I should be motivated to be that person that assist in improving students learning so that they can be productive students when furthering their education and productive citizens when they become adults in society. No one student learn the same; however, if technology can improve their learning capabilities, it should be implemented while ensuring that it is being monitored properly while working with children.

References

Axinn, W. G., & Pearce, L. D. (2006). Mixed Method Data Collection Strategies. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Fee, K. (2011). 101 Learning and Development Tools: Essential Techniques for Creating, Delivering, and Managing Effective Training. London: Kogan Page.

Fournier, G. (n.d.). Locus of Control. Retrieved from: https://psychcentral.com/encylopedia/locus-of-control/ on March 5, 2018.

Hollis, J. L. (1995). Sample Action Research Report 1: Effect of technology in enthusiasm for learning science Retrieved from: http://www.sagepub.com/mertler3study/ resources/reports/88896_sr1.pdf on March 13, 2018.

Mills, G. E. (2014). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Pawar, M. S. (2004). Data Collecting Methods and Experiences: A guide for social researchers. Elgin, IL: New Dawn Press.