Chapter 4 questions

1.Consider for a moment curriculum design: we align unit goals to specific instruction and align this with assessment. How is the same principle applied to an action research design?

In action research, the goal or question is determined by the context. Once the goal is in place, the method is aligned with the goal.

2. How is alignment between the critical question and the action research plan creating a “strong sense of connection”?

When the critical question and the action research plan are aligned, the alignment can set a solid base for the connection to the literature, data, context, and the interpretation of the data.

Chapter 4: Process Questions

1. How will you balance the demands of learning to teach and the act of conducting research? How is teaching and research the same, different?

In all honesty, I probably wont have much time to research. Instruction and presence in the classroom is the most important job that a teacher has, and I will work by a case to case basis with each student depending on their needs. There wont be any longitudinal studies but there will be development of goals and methods for students on a daily basis. So, to rephrase my previous statement, I will be performing action research every day. Teaching and research can be the same because I will be learning about my students every day.

2. Describe your action research design in one brief concise paragraph. Now read it to someone who is not as familiar with your project. Have them summarize what they hear. What questions do they have for you? Do they understand the goals of your action research? Is there anything you need to revise based upon their comments and/or questions?

Here is what I read:

Our research will revolve around the connection between a students academic success and their social base/needs. Our main question is "does a student perform better in school when they have a friend?"

My wife just had two questions which were "what about if that student has more than one friend and how does their performance compare to their peer who only has one friend?" I would allow for more time to obtain more data in the future.