EDU 671 Fundamentals of Educational Research
Week 3 Complete (Assignment, Discussions)
EDU 671 Week 3 Discussion 1
Triangulation
In Chapter 4 of Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher, Mills (2014) shares that “ the strength of educational research lies in its triangulation, collecting information in many ways rather than relying solely on one” (p. 104).
Complete the Data Collection Worksheet to include the following:
1. Area of focus statement
2. Brief description of proposed intervention
3. Table
The following table provides a completed sample of:
1. Up to three research questions (you will have between one and three questions for your study).
2. An appropriately aligned data collection tool.
3. An explanation as to how the tool will help you answer your research question.
Research Questions Data Collection Tool Why this tool? Justify its use in your study. How does it match with what you are attempting to find and to measure?
Will the incorporation of project-based learning improve students’ state assessment scores as it relates to the Common Core State Standards in comprehending non-fiction text? District Common Assessments (post-test) This research question requires quantitative data collection. The answer of this question is either yes, the incorporation improves test scores or no, it does not. District common assessments, which assess Common Core State Standards as well, can also be used for post-test data.
Will the inclusion of project-based learning improve student application of comprehending non-fiction text at a high depth of knowledge level? Pretests and post-tests Pre- and post-tests can give quantitative data to support findings in the examination of the artifacts and with the observations.
How does project-based learning integrate clear expectations and essential criteria and remain successful?
Questionnaires
This question seems to only be able to warrant qualitative data collection because it needs first-hand accounts of what expectations and criteria were used that indicated success. Questionnaires can give the researcher an opportunity to view how the teachers instill the expectations in the students.
For an example of a finished triangulation matrix, see page 105 of Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher.
*Copy and paste the entire document into your discussion post or submit the document as an attachment.
Guided Response: Respond to at least two classmates. Indicate your critique of your classmates’ choices. Do you agree with their selections? Did they consider triangulation of the data in their selections? Comment on the fit between the type of question and the type of data? What changes would you make (if any) to their choices? *It is expected you follow-up by the last day of the week to provide a secondary response to any comments or questions your instructor may have provided. This is part of the grading criteria as a demonstration of critical thinking.
EDU 671 Week 3 Discussion 2
Draft Action Research Plan
Instructions: You will construct the draft of your action research plan using the headings provided in the Content section below. Remember to write clearly and succinctly using active and not passive language and to write in a professional tone.
Content
The assignment needs to include the following areas of content.
• Area of Focus Statement (1 point): In two to three sentences, describe the purpose of your study. Begin by writing a statement that starts with, “The purpose of this study is to…”
• Problem – Interest (.5 points): In half of a page, describe the observations that led to your interest in this action research project (e.g. student interactions, review of data, etc.).
• Problem – Background (1 point): In one page, explain the background or history of the situation in your classroom/school context or work place.
• Problem – Prior Interventions (1 point): In half of a page, explain what you have tried or what others have tried in relation to the problem and what has worked or not worked.
• Participant Description (1 point): In no more than one page, describe each participant selected for this study.
• Participant Justification (1 point): In no more than one page, justify why you are working with these participants in this study.
• Research Questions (1 point): List two to three research questions that are answerable and, if applicable, include a definition following the list for any technical terminology used in the questions.
Written Communication
The assignment needs to adhere to the following areas for written communication.
• Page Requirement (.5 points): The assignment must be four to five pages, not including title and references pages.
• APA Formatting (.5 points): Use APA formatting consistently throughout.
• Syntax and Mechanics (.5 points): Display meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Your written work should contain no errors and be very easy to understand.
Review and Submit the Assignment
Review your assignment with the Grading Rubric to be sure you have achieved the distinguished levels of performance for each criterion. Next, submit the assignment to the course room for evaluation no later than day 7 of the week.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
EDU 671 Week 3 Assignment
Draft Action Research Plan
Instructions: You will construct the draft of your action research plan using the headings provided in the Content section below. Remember to write clearly and succinctly using active and not passive language and to write in a professional tone.
Content
The assignment needs to include the following areas of content.
• Area of Focus Statement (1 point): In two to three sentences, describe the purpose of your study. Begin by writing a statement that starts with, “The purpose of this study is to…”
• Problem – Interest (.5 points): In half of a page, describe the observations that led to your interest in this action research project (e.g. student interactions, review of data, etc.).
• Problem – Background (1 point): In one page, explain the background or history of the situation in your classroom/school context or work place.
• Problem – Prior Interventions (1 point): In half of a page, explain what you have tried or what others have tried in relation to the problem and what has worked or not worked.
• Participant Description (1 point): In no more than one page, describe each participant selected for this study.
• Participant Justification (1 point): In no more than one page, justify why you are working with these participants in this study.
• Research Questions (1 point): List two to three research questions that are answerable and, if applicable, include a definition following the list for any technical terminology used in the questions.
Written Communication
The assignment needs to adhere to the following areas for written communication.
• Page Requirement (.5 points): The assignment must be four to five pages, not including title and references pages.
• APA Formatting (.5 points): Use APA formatting consistently throughout.
• Syntax and Mechanics (.5 points): Display meticulous comprehension and organization of syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar. Your written work should contain no errors and be very easy to understand.
Review and Submit the Assignment
Review your assignment with the Grading Rubric to be sure you have achieved the distinguished levels of performance for each criterion. Next, submit the assignment to the course room for evaluation no later than day 7 of the week.
Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.
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