Educational Action Research

Educational Action Research Action Research Insights How have you seen or experienced traditional educational research conducted in the past? Traditional research is conducted by outside professional who have limited stakes in achievement and meeting academic standards. Over the years, many different methods of instruction have been introduced and these methods have been the product of outsider research. Dana Yendol-Hoppey (2009) state that teachers voices have typically been absent from discussions about education change and reform (p.1). Who leads educational research? Where, when, and why is it conducted? Those who lead education research consist of business leaders, governmental groups, college groups, and others that are outsiders to education and have limited ideas of what a classroom teachers needs on a daily basis (Dana Yendol-Hoppey, 2009). These researcher use data review, surveys, and process oriented methods to conduct research. Based on Dana Yendol-Hoppey(2009). There are two paradigms that are mostly responsible for educational research. The first in process-product oriented method with the teacher as technician in the classroom (p.2-3). The research is linear in scope and the researcher is an outsider to the classroom. The second paradigm is qualitative or interpretive (p.3). This requires the teacher as active participant, discussion on the focus, and interpretation (p.3). Outsider researcher will conduct the research. Both Paradigms have as a reason why to do the research the concept of identifying problems to improve performance within the classroom and education. What is the difference between teacher inquiry/action research and educational research? Essentially, there is no difference between educational research and teacher inquiry/action research. Educational research is the big umbrella that encompasses all research in the education area. Dana Yendol-Hoppey (2009) states that â€Å"Teacher inquiry highlights the roll of teachers as knowledge generator, researcher, and participant. It focuses on the concerns of teachers and engages teachers in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around a question†( p. 4). After studying your completed comparison chart, in what ways are these action research studies the same as traditional educational research studies? In what ways are they different? What are the strengths and weaknesses of them both? Action research studies are similar to other traditional educational research studies. Both types of research pose questions about education that will solve a problem, create a vehicle for change and educational reform, and generate valuable insights into the teaching and learning process. The differences in the action research model is that Action Research includes the teacher as a participant, leader, and implementer of change. The weaknesses of the process-product model and the interpretive is its single focused question. Describe which action research study promoted teaching practices that resulted in more culturally responsive teaching. How was it different from the others? â€Å"Mother Tongue: The role of parent teacher communication in helping students reach new standards† by Lara Goldstein (2003) promotes teaching practices that resulted in more culturally responsive teaching. The purpose of this study was to help students achieve standards at high levels focusing on language standards. Assessments of student achievement, communication with parents, and reflections from students and parents were collected. Three problems were obvious from the study: Lack of confidence Cultural values Shy and introverted. Identified need for more translators, translated materials, and overcoming cultural barriers(Goldstein, 2003). Primarily, English as Second Language students were impacted or affected. Asian-American cultural barriers were pointed out as a factor contributing to these student not participating in classroom discussions. Identified need for more translators, translated materials, and overcoming cultural barriers(Goldstein, 2003). Primarily, English as Second Language students were impacted or affected. Describe the teacher action research study that most influenced the teaching and students learning. How was it influential? Drexler, Dawson, and Ferdig (2007) wrote â€Å"Collaborative Blogging as a Means to Develop Elementary Expository Writing Skills.† In this article, the purpose of the study was to show that collaborative blogging would improve student’s motivation to write. Students attitude via surveys were used to assess before and after attitudes toward writing(Drexler, Dawson and Ferdig, 2007). A four-step systematic data analysis process was used to conduct, collect, and analyze data. Diversity was addressed as an unintentional result. The major finding indicated that collaboration with college/third grade students increased positive attitudes and motivation towards writing at school(Drexler, Dawson and Ferdig, 2007). Blogging and the use of technology should be used more to help student gather, retain, and assimilate knowledge. Students would benefit from more use of interactive tools to help them learn and retain concepts. Describe the action research study that encouraged equity in teaching practices to meet the needs of a diverse student body. â€Å"Understanding High School Black Male Student’s Achievement and School Experience† written by Q. T. Nguyen (2007) is the action research study that encouraged equity in teaching practices. . The purpose of the study is to identify what factors contribute to achievement levels of minorities, black males in particular. This was the inquiry question: â€Å" What are the factors that support Black male student’s achievement in MMSD?† (Nguyen,2007). Reviewing current data and interviewing high school students was used as data and for review. The group being studied was a minority which constitutes a diverse population. â€Å"Disconnectedness with teachers, low expectations, and irrelevant classes, peer pressure, and family issues were factors that affected high achievement in the population of student?† (Nguyen,2007).. Shared information and realization that more student subjects were needed to further assess. Basically, this topic is needed with a bigger, more focused group of students and needed to include parents and teachers in the next research. Based on all of this weeks Resources, what is the most important thing you learned about the action research process? What questions do you still have about teacher inquiry/action research? Do you think traditional educational research can positively influence your teaching practice? Why or why not? Based on all the week’s resources, the most important thing I learned about the action research process was it was conducted and lead by classroom teachers, and this process has relevance to the classroom and to the curriculum being taught in that particular class. One question I have about action research is how individualized can it be to reflect impact in special education classes. Traditional educational research has uses in education. These practices are good for identifying processes and for interpreting data for academic success. One research method is not going to serve all facets of the education climate. Action Research Comparison Chart Directions: One of the goals of this week’s learning is to become familiar with various action research scenarios that are classroom and student based and see how different they are from traditional-based research studies. Complete the chart below. This exercise will help you compare and contrast the action research studies and better prepare you in responding to the Application questions. Note: You will submit the completed chart as an Appendix to the Application assignment. Questions Action Research Study #1 Action Research Study #2 Action Research Study #3 Who is the author of the study (i.e., insider or outsider, researcher or teacher)? Insider and researcher Researcher Insider, teacher What is the title of the action research study? Understanding High School Black Male Student’s Achievement and School Experience. Collaborative Blogging as a Means to Develop Elementary Expository Writing Skills Mother Tongue: The role of parent teacher communication in helping students reach new standards. What is the purpose of the study? Why is it important to the author? The purpose of the study is to identify what factors contribute to achievement levels of minorities, black males in particular The purpose of the the study was to show that collaborative blogging would improve student’s motivation to write. The purpose of this study was to help students achieve standards What is the research question, and what is its focus (i.e., to predict, make an impact, control, explain a phenomenon or a process, or provide insight into a teacher’s practice to make change)? What are the factors that support Black male student’s achievement in MMSD? How can technology be effectively integrated with an expository writing project? Will blogging improve third grade students’ attitude toward writing? Will blogging improve the quality of writing? Will third grade students be further motivated to learn about a topic if they are teamed with college partners for guidance? What are the limitations of blogging in the third grade classroom? What happens when I communicate explicitly with parents about standards and what is the impact of parental understanding of LA standards of achievement? Which data are collected? How are data collected and analyzed? Reviewing current data and interviewing high school students, Students attitude via surveys were used to assess before and after attitudes toward writing. A four-step systematic data analysis process Assessments of student achievement, communication with parents, and reflections from students and parents were collected. Is diversity addressed? If so, how? The group being studied was a minority which constitutes a diverse population. Diversity was addressed as an unintentional result. Asian students were addressed and culturally linguistics was mentioned in study. What were the major findings of the action research study? Disconnectednes with teachers, low expectatins, and irrelevant classes, peer pressure, and family issues were factors that affected high achievement in the population of student s The major finding indicated that collaboration with college/third grade students increased positive attitudes and motivation towards writing at school Three problems were obvious from the study: 1. Lack of confidence 2.Cultural values 3.Shy and introverted What actions or changes resulted from the study? Whom did the changes impact? Shared information and realization that more student on this topic is needed with a bigger, more focused group of students. Include parents and teachers in the next research. Blogging and the use of technology should be used more to help student gather, retain, and assimilate knowledge. Students would benefit from more use of interactive tools to help them learn and retain concepts. Identified need for more translators, translated materials, and overcoming cultural barriers. Primarily, English as Second Language students were impacted or affected. References Dana, N. F., Yendol-Hoppey, D. (2009). The reflective educators guide to classroom  research: Learning to teach and teaching to learn through practitioner inquiry (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Drexler, W., Dawson, K., Ferdig, R. E. (2007). Collaborative blogging as a means to  develop elementary expository writing skills. Electronic Journal for the  Integration ofTechnology in Education, 6, 140–160. Goldstone, L. (2003). The mother tongue: The role of parent-teacher communication in  helping students meet new standards. In E. Meyers, F. Rust (Eds.), Taking  action with teacher research (pp. 63–78). Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Action research for educators:  Student course introduction. Baltimore, MD: Author. Nguyen, Q. T. (2007). Understanding high school black male students achievement and  school experience. In C. Caro-Bruce, R. Flessner, M. Klehr, K. Zeichner (Eds.), Creating equitable classrooms through action research (pp. 78–99). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Walden University M.S. in Education Program Formative Evaluative Criteria for Applications and Reflective Essays Quality of Work Submitted Work reflects graduate-level critical, analytical thinking. A: Exemplary Work A = 4.00; A- = 3.75 All of the previous, in addition to the following: B: Graduate Level Work B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00; B- = 2.75 All of the previous, in addition to the following: C: Minimal Work C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00; C- = 1.75 F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable F = 1.00 Adherence to Assignment Expectations The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria. Assignment exceeds expectations, integrating additional material and/or information. Assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth. All parts of the assignment are completed, with fully developed topics. The work is presented in a thorough and detailed manner. Assignment demonstrates appropriate breadth and depth. Most parts of assignment are completed. Topics are not fully developed. Assignment demonstrates minimal depth and breadth. Does not fulfill the expectations of the assignment. Key components are not included Assignment lacks breadth and depth. Assimilation and Synthesis of Ideas The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to- Understand the assignment’s purpose; Understand and analyze material in videos, readings, and discussions; Apply presented strategies **May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, collegial discussions; information from conferences, in service, faculty development, and/or meetings. Outside sources also may include materials from previous Walden MSED courses, videos, and readings. (but aren’t currently being used in this course)In addition, students may refer to the course Webliography, course reference list (Bibliography), and the theoretical foundations, all of which are located on â€Å"Course Home† in BlackBoard.. Demonstrates the ability intellectually to explore and/or implement key instructional concepts. Demonstrates exceptional inclusion of major points, using creditable sources**, in addition to course videos or required readings. Demonstrates insightful reflection and/or critical thinking. Demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment’s purpose. Includes specific information from course videos or required readings to support major points. Provides careful consideration of key instructional concepts. Shows some degree of understanding of the assignment’s purpose. Generally applies theories, concepts, and/or strategies correctly, with ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped Minimally includes specific information from course videos or required readings. Shows a lack of understanding of the assignment’s purpose. Does not apply theories, concepts, and/or strategies Does not include specific information from course videos or required readings. Written Expression and Formatting The extent to which scholarly, critical, analytical writing is presented in APA format; Standard Edited English ( i.e. correct grammar, mechanics). Represents scholarly writing in a correct APA format. Work is unified around a central purpose with well-developed ideas, logically organized in paragraph structure with clear transitions. Effective sentence variety; clear, concise, and powerful expression are evident. Work is written in Standard Edited English. No prominent errors interfere with reading. Work is well organized with correct APA formatting throughout. Ideas are clearly and concisely expressed. Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and conclusion are included. Work is written in Standard Edited English with few, if any, grammatical or mechanical errors Somewhat represents mature, scholarly, graduate-level writing, with APA generally followed. Ideas are not clearly and concisely expressed. Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and conclusion are not included. Work contains more than a few grammatical, or mechanical errors. The quality of writing and/or APA formatting are not acceptable for graduate level work. Major points do not reflect appropriate elements of communication. No effort to express ideas clearly and concisely. Work is not written in Standard Edited English. Contains many grammatical or mechanical errors A: Exemplary Work A = 4.00; A- = 3.75 All of the previous, in addition to the following: B: Graduate Level Work B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00; B- = 2.75 All of the previous, in addition to the following: C: Minimal Work C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00; C- = 1.75 F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable F = 1.00 It is expected that all applications and reflective essays will be submitted according to the assignment due dates indicated. Exceptions may be made  at the discretion of the faculty member if contacted by the student prior to the due date describing extenuating circumstances. Updated: 7-3-2012

Dispositional Optimism Essay -- Psychology, Behaviorism

Behaviorism is an essential part of our daily lives since it reflects how we learn and deal with varying circumstances. Schacter, Gilbert and Wegner (2011) states that behaviorism restricts psychologists to focus purely on observable behavior; it rejects the emphasis of the conscious and unconscious mind (p. 16). Ivan Pavlov, who was a Russian physiologist, discovered this concept when he researched the role that saliva played on digestion. In his experiment, he gave the dogs’ meat powder to see how they would salivate to it. After a while, he noticed that the dogs’ salivated even before he gave them food; if the dogs’ saw the white lab coat, put in the harness, hear the sound of a buzzer, or the ringing of a bell. He then concluded that these dogs’ were learning from the environment, which at first, they thought was an annoyance, leading Pavlov to the classical conditioning process - which says that we learn through pairings and association ( Ryan, G. (2013) Lectures on Learning. Personal Collection of G. Ryan, Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood NY). Another advocate of behaviorism was John B. Watson, who wanted to demonstrate that even sophisticated behaviors such as emotion are subject to classical conditioning. Watson conducted a study known as â€Å"Little Albert,† where he taught the infant to fear the white rat, which was originally a neutral stimulus. Every time the rat appeared, he would bang two metal pipes together to scare the infant. Consequently, it resulted to â€Å"Little Albert† to fear similar objects to the rat- known as stimulus generalization, and in this case, it was a broad selection of animals. However, according to the authors Schacter, Gilbert, and Wegner (2011) classical conditioning stu... ...the end, you are the only one who can truly put you in the dark. Moreover, you, yourself, are the one who can take you out of your darkness. References Brodhagen, A., Wise, D. (2008). Optimism as a Mediator Between the Experience of Child Abuse, Other Traumatic Events, and Distress. Journal Of Family Violence, 23(6), 403-411 Brunk, L., Hirsch, J. K., LaLonde, S. M., Morris, A. P., and Wolford, K., 2007 (2007). Dispositional Optimism as a Moderator of the Relationship Between Negative Life Events and Suicide Ideation and Attempts. Cognitive Therapy & Research, 31(4), 533- 546. Ryan, G. (2013) Lectures on Learning. Personal Collection of G. Ryan, Suffolk County Community College, Brentwood NY Schacter, D. L., Gilbert, D.T., and Wegner, D.M., (2011). Learning (p. 16 and 177). Psychology (Second Edition). New York, N.Y: Worth Publishers.

Classism: High School and Social Class Essay

Social class in America is a subject which always has and always will continue to affect our daily lives. The video â€Å"People like us: Social Class in America† offered several depictions of class in the U.S.. The video’s depictions ranged in accuracy in terms of its definition of social classes. However the video itself caused me to realize the great affect social class has on my life as well as the lives of those around me. Classism in the United States is a very big, yet silent prejudice that is continually causing many problems in our society. I have always been affected by the evils of classism in my life. The most brilliant example this, is public schooling. The public school system, especially here in White Plains, provides a mock â€Å"real world† in my eyes. Because White Plains’ schooling is so diverse, it is the perfect habitat for viewing how various classes interact with each other. Some of the observations I’ve made during my years as a pupil in this wonderful, equal opportunity, educational system are as follows: The more well off students always get off. Because of their much concerned and well-to-do parents the worst kid could do the worst thing and always get away with it. However, I find it very interesting that a ragged, dirt smudged Hispanic boy can do that very same thing and end up having to get sent home; causing his mother to take off of her twelve hour minimum wage job to stay at home with him. All the while not knowing what is going on because of the simple fact that she couldnâ €™t speak English. Thank god for mom’s and dad’s . . . . money and image. Another issue that greatly affected my life was how class determined social circles. All throughout my schooling I have seen friends come and go. Even at the early age of seven, it was evident who was richer than whom; solely based on the gifts I received at birthday parties. The kids who gave the cool presents where the rich kids. Those were the kids who never invited you to their parties. They just invited the kids just like them. Those â€Å"rich kids† have held their titles all through high school. They have evolved though; they are now referred to as the â€Å"preps† I find in amusing to see  just how many groups of students or cliques have remained throughout secondary schooling. Each one of these groups is constantly fighting to be noticed, or not noticed in some cases. Every one of them, as subtle as it may be, knows where the other stands in their eyes. The video â€Å"People like us: Social Class in America† depictions’ were very accurate in that they provided a wide spectrum of viewing for the uneducated eye. The video allowed anyone to realize how people in different classes than his or her own are perceived. The video did an especially good job on defining what social class is as well as exhibiting what social classes exist on the high school level. â€Å"People like us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  showed the varying social classes which exist in any high school such as the Geeks, the Jocks, the Preppy girls and boys, the loud Hispanic girls, the loud Black girls, the abrasive and dangerous Black and Hispanic boys, the Goths, the Artsy kids, the Theatre types, the Smart Asians; the list could go on and on. The video hit the nail right on the head. High School is just a conglomeration of cliques who want nothing do with the other based on the unwritten rules of high school hierarchy. It was a real shock to see what some of the students had to say about the others. Some of the comments a particular girl made about â€Å"the kids not like us†, referring to herself, left my mouth gaping wide open. The one thing I noticed above all was that the less sheltered students were a lot more open to others than the ones who had been given everything their entire lives. I believe the video was a good model as to the various characteristics assigned to various classes throughout the world. Class exists in any environment, whether it is school, the workplace, or any social gathering; there will always exist some form of prejudice based on your class. The people on the top of the class ladder create a mold in which they expect all others to follow. Anyone who doesn’t is automatically dubbed an outcast because he or she is different. This is especially true of people of a different race. There is almost a direct relationship between race and class. Ones race almost seems to hold down ones class. You can ask any black or latino well off family how their neighbors truly view them, and you will be shocked. One can be just as rich as the man next to him, but he will  always be dubbed rich†¦for a black man, or rich†¦for a latino. It is a fact among real estate agents that when a minority family moves into an all white neighborhood the actual market value of the surrounding homes drops severely. Why is that? It is because race has a direct relationship with class. Class can only bring you so far. In conclusion, Classism is an ever-present prejudice that most all of us face in our everyday lives. We see it in our schools, places of work as well as ordinary nights out. Classism in the United States is a very big, yet silent prejudice that is continually causing many problems in our society, especially in the ranks of our youth. Videos like â€Å"People like us: Social Class in America† allow us to see classism through lense of the youth of America, informing us of the problems put forth this prejudice. Only by realizing the problem can we step forth and attempt to resolve it.

Argumentative Essay The Mandela Effect - 1112 Words

Mandela Effect Argumentative Paper Every journey into the past is complicated by delusions, false memories, false namings of real events. This is a quote by Adrienne Rich, and American poet, which sums up the Mandela Effect extremely well. The Mandela Effect is a complex subject with plenty of evidence, examples, theories, and witnesses. Its described as The observed phenomenon of people having clear memories of events that did not occur or misremembering significant events and facts., also known as false memories. There is a popular theory that shows how The Mandela Effect could be proof of all of mankind switching between alternate realities or universes, between the time of an event people believe to have occurred and present†¦show more content†¦This event is what gave The Mandela Effect its name, as well as sparking interests of many other people with similar experiences. Another well-known example of the Mandela Effect has to do with the Berenstein Bears. Many people remember Berenstein Bears being spelled with an e in the -stein part of their name. However, the name is actually spelled with a and spelled as Berenstain, after the creators of the cartoon Jan and Stan Berenstain. This has confused many - including myself - as we always remembered the name being spelled as Berenstein. The -stein misprint has been used constantly, including in TV catalogs, VHS labels on official movies, newspapers, and the Simpsons. However, this is a simple mistake, as the last name Berenstain is much less popular than the last name of Berenstein, which is a possible explanation for why people remember the name being spelled with an e. Back in the 1990s, many people recall seeing advertisements and clips of a movie called Shazaam, which starred the comedian Sinbad as a genie. However, this movie never existed. Many people were very confused to find out that the movie many recall hearing about, never existing at all. Sinbad did star in several movies, but none where he was depicted as a genie. This incident got so widespread, that Sinbad even commented on the matter himself by saying It was Shaq, Shaq, Shaq. But we all look alike. In this quote, he is referring to the movie ShaquilleShow MoreRelatedStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 PagesglOBalization! Images of Diversity from Around the Globe 54 Point/Counterpoint Men Have More Mathematical Ability Than Women 61 Questions for Review 62 Experiential Exercise Feeling Excluded 62 Ethical Dilemma Board Quotas 62 Case Incident 1 The Flynn Effect 63 Case Incident 2 Increasing Age Diversity in the Workplace 64 3 Attitudes and Job Satisfaction 69 Attitudes 70 What Are the Main Components of Attitudes? 70 †¢ Does Behavior Always Follow from Attitudes? 71 †¢ What Are the Major Job AttitudesRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 Pagesgeneralizations and panacea-like prescriptions appear regularly in the popular management literature. To ensure the validity of the behavioral guidelines being prescribed, the learning approach must include scientifically based knowledge about the effects of the management principles being presented. Second, individuals must be aware of their current level of skill competency and be motivated to improve upon that level in order to benefit from the model. Most people receive very little feedback about