Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal:
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Research motivation and engagement from a psychology standpoint	Trevor Rice	September 2013	Books and/or journals related to topic	Briefly summarize the significant findings that are related to homework topic.
Survey a pool of eight grade students (at least 100) on their motivations regarding Homework.	Trevor Rice	September 2013	Survey questionnaire and scantrons	Scantrons should be scored and data collected.
Look to other schools in Kent and Ottawa county that are using any sort of reward or punishment to motivate students to complete homework	Trevor Rice and Others	November 2013	Colleagues	A summary of any findings.
Compare students’ motivation to complete homework with their actual rate of homework completion.  Does	Trevor Rice	November 2013	Grade books and well organized data	Summary of significant findings.
Make any suggested change or develop plan that would help students become more naturally motivated to complete homework	Trevor Rice	December 2013	None	Action Research Summary and Recommended Changes.

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

Choosing a Topic

This week I looked at a variety of action research projects that were done at different school contexts across the county.  This experience was valuable as I thought about what sort of research I would find valuable at my own school setting.  In the middle of the summer it was difficult to think of a relevant research topic, but following some thought I was able to reach a topic.  I am going to be researching what sort of punishment/rewards motivate students.  I will be looking at motivation in two areas.  Motivation to complete homework and motivation to have good behavior.  I am satisfied with my topic as I believe it will help our school, and help myself as a teacher and future administrator.  The main thing I took away from this week was how valuable action research can be for students.  I am excited about being able to make that sort of contribution to Duncan Lake Middle School.  

Action Research and the educational leader

Action Research is an introspective study used to improve schools, principals, and teachers.  Unlike traditional educational research, action research puts the individual at the center of the process.  Traditionally teachers and principals attend professional development where an expert comes to inform them of what they should be doing, saying, or even thinking about.  As someone actively participating in action research, you do all of these things yourself.  Their is no need for an expert or outside lecturer.  The teacher or principal will propose a question relevant to their classroom or school.  They will take this question, and often times in collaboration with others, collect data, analyze data, and research theories and best practices.  All of this results in a decision that results in positive change in schools, classrooms, and the practices of teachers and principals.  Action research is beneficial since it is tailor made to a particular situation and context.  The question being investigated is relevant and the resulting decision is applicable.  This empowers teachers and principals to take an active role in decision making rather than being reactive to outside influences.  Personally I will be able to use action research within my own classroom and within the eight grade at the building that I teach.  In addition to this I can use the action research methods as i complete my internship.  I look forward to using this method to improve my teaching techniques and improving the culture and learning within our school.

Blogs are a helpful tool to anyone involved in action research, particularly educational leaders.  Blogs are a way for educational leaders to record their ideas, collect data, and keep track of progress.  Most importantly blogs are a great avenue to share work with others.  Colleagues are able to give feedback and collaborate online.  Blogs allow effective communication with any interested party.