Action+Research

Here is a document which outlines the components of an action research plan. You can either use this document - fill it out and attach to your ePortfolio, or just type it right onto the page as is illustrated below....

__**Problem:**__ Staff at Memphis High School have limited proficiency with computer file management. Staff also indicate that there is little understanding of how to integrate 21st Century skills into their curriculum.

__**Question:**__ Will integrating 21st Century Skills and Tools improve student achievement? Specifically, can I engage my students using a collaborative ed tech tool such as [voicethread] and increase their understanding of core subjects?

__**Plan:**__ Create scheduled computer file management workshops for teachers on a regular basis throughout the year. Assist teachers with integrating 21st Century Skills and Tools into their lesson plans. Administer pre and post tests to gauge student understanding.

__**Reflection:**__ This has been a great process. I enjoyed and felt rewarded by having the surveys and test scores guide my instruction with teachers. The staff felt as though they were part of the professional development planning process and this increased their engagement and motivation. I think the students learned more than they would have if staff hadn't focused on using technology to encourage collaborative work and creativity. As staff computer skills increased, they became more comfortable and willing to try new technology tools as well.

The WebCT discussions and chats helped me reflect on my project. Visiting with my project facilitator helped me focus on my data and come up with an interesting integration ideas. Now that I have had the chance to learn and work with other integrationists, I am more confident moving forward on my own.

__**Implications for Future Work:**__ I hope to use my data to guide my planning teaching.It's better to spend a day or two refreshing the memory and then spending more time on need areas. I will continue to use formative assessment with my students and look at pre and post tests.