COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, HUMANITIES, AND BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP AND SECONDARY EDUCATION

 

Alabama A&M University

Normal, AL 35762

 

COURSE SYLLABUS

 

Fall 2015

 

Course Number

FED 696

Course Title

Action Research I

3 Credit Hours

Call Number/Section

71160

Class Times

4:00 – 6:50 PM Thursday

Class Location

Building: Carver Complex North Room 211

Prerequisites

Prerequisites: Statistics (FED 502); Introduction to Educational Research (FED 503); Advanced Educational Research (FED 603)

Textbooks

Creswell, John. (2012). Educational Research. Boston, Pearson 4th edition .ISBN: 9780133018080

Caghlan, D., & Brannick, T. (2005). Doing action research in your own organization. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 1412902479

Herr, K. & Anderson, G. (2005). The research dissertation: A guide for students and faculty. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. ISBN: 0761929916

American Psychological Association. (2001). Publication manual of the American       Psychological Association. 6th ed. Washington, D.C.: Author. ISBN: Concise Rules APA Style ISBN: 9781433805608

Instructor

Dr. Lydia Davenport

Office Location

Carver Complex North (Room 201)

Office Hours

Tuesday-Thursday 11:00 -2:00 PM

Email Address

lydia.davenport@aamu.edu

Telephone Number

256-372-5522

 

AAMU Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP):

“Enhancing Students’ Critical Thinking Skills”

Critical Thinking Definition:

Critical thinking is analyzing, evaluating, and synthesizing information into logical conclusions.

 

Course Description:

This course will teach roles and skills necessary to be an effective Action Researcher.  This class will also give candidates the skills needed to work on problems specific to schools, and school leadership.  Additionally, the course is also designed to identify the theoretical foundations of Action Research, develop practical applications, investigate the applicability of Action Research in a current work setting, and develop an Action plan.

 

Student learning Outcomes

 

This course is designed to enable the candidate to become an effective researcher and practitioner through the development of proficiencies specific to knowledge, skills, and dispositions required by the national, state, and institutional standards.  Learning will be facilitated through instruction, feedback, reflection, and self-assessment and will reflect methodology for use in inclusion and non-inclusion instructional settings with diverse populations.

 

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the theoretical foundations of Action Research.

2. Develop practical applications of Action Research.

3. Investigate the applicability of Action Research in a current work setting.

4. Develop a professional orientation toward the practice of Action Research.

5. Collaborate with other students in an Action Research cycle.

6. Use computer and other technological applications for access to Action Research resources.

7. Consider and include ethical standards related to Action Research.

8. Develop an Action Research Plan.

 

Outcomes and Dispositions Statement  - Institutional

 

Upon completion of an advanced  teacher preparation program in the College of Education, Humanities and Behavioral Sciences at Alabama A&M University, the graduates may be characterized as:

  1. Effective communicators (both oral and written)
  2. Possessing current professional knowledge and the ability to implement that knowledge
  3. Capable of creating/promoting a positive, supportive learning environment
  4. Can facilitate learning for all students
  5. Can effectively assess student learning and make necessary adjustments
  6. Engages in continuous professional development
  7. Exhibits professional dispositions at all times

 

Outcomes and Dispositions Statement – (NBPTS) National Board for Professional Teaching Standards

 

  1. Teachers are committed to students develop and learning.

·            Teachers recognize individual differences in their students and adjust their practice accordingly.

·            Teachers have an understanding of how students develop and learn.

·            Teachers treat students equitably.

·            Teachers’ mission extends beyond understanding the cognitive capacity of their students.

 

2.    Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subject to students.

1.      Teachers appreciate how knowledge in their subject is created organized, and linked to other disciplines.

2.      Teachers command specialized knowledge of how to convey a subject to students.

3.      Teachers generate multiple paths to knowledge.

 

 

 

3.   Teachers are responsible for managing and monitoring student learning.

·                      Teachers call on multiple methods to meet their goals.

·                      Teachers orchestrate learning in group settings

·                      Teachers place a premium on student engagement.

·                      Teachers are mindful of their principle objectives.

 

4.     Teachers think systematically about their practice and learn from experience.

·                     Teachers are continually making difficult choices that test their judgment.

·                     Teachers seek the advice of others and draw on education research and scholarship to improve their practice.

 

5.    Teachers are members of learning communities.

·                   Teachers contribute to school effectiveness by collaborating with other professionals.

·                   Teachers work collaboratively with parents.

·                   Teachers take advantage of community resources.

 

 

CLASS FORMAT

 

Attendance/lateness

Frequent lateness may affect your grade due to missing critical information given in the course.

Late work

Five points per day will be deducted from total points earned for late submission of assignments.

Missed assignments and examinations

Opportunity to complete missed assignments will be arranged provided an official excuse is provided to the instructor.

Extra credit

For students experiencing difficulty with the course, extra reading and assignments may be arranged upon consultation with the instructor.

Format/mode of submission for required work

All submitted work must be word processed.  Written work and references should be in APA style format unless otherwise permitted by the instructor.

 

Student responsibilities:

Students are responsible for attending each class session, completing class assignments on time, keeping up with course materials, preparing for class, and informing the instructor if experiencing difficulties.

Instructor responsibilities:

The instructor will return graded assignments within two weeks of receipt, prepare examinations so that they are composed of material covered in the course, and facilitate learning for every student.

 

This syllabus and other course materials are available in alternative format upon request.  For more information about services available to AAMU students with disabilities, please go to the Office of Disability Services in Room 203 of the Ralph H. Lee Student Center.

 

SYLLABUS CHANGE POLICY:

Except for changes that substantially affect implementation of the evaluation (grading) statement, this syllabus is subject to change with advanced notice in writing.

 

 

 

COURSE OUTCOMES

 

 

Topic Area

Learning Outcome

Assessment Method

Introduction and overview of  action research

Be able demonstrate an understanding of action research

In-class discussion and activities; review and analysis of action research plan; brainstorm possible research topics

Theoretical and philosophical foundation of action research

Be able to demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical foundations of action research

In-class discussion and activities; action research plan analysis; action research plan development

Definitions and concepts; and roles for the action researcher

 

Be able to define key concepts; demonstrate the roles of the action researcher

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Selecting the topic

Be able to demonstrate the ability to select a workable action research topic

In-class discussion and activities; action research plan analysis; plan development

Identifying problems

Be able to demonstrate the ability to identify a particular problem

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Research Questions

Be able to demonstrate the ability to develop clear action research question(s)

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term; final exam

Reviewing related literature Review

Be able to demonstrate an understanding of how to write a review of the related literature for action research

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Developing a research plan

Be able to demonstrate the ability to develop a research design

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Implementing the plan

Be able to demonstrate an understanding of an instrument, and the ability to design an instrument

In-class discussion; action researchplan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Collecting the data

Be able to demonstrate an understanding of methods for collecting data and the ability to collect data

In-class discussion; action research plan  analysis; action research plan development; mid-term; final exam

Analyzing the data

Be able to demonstrate the ability to analyze data collected

In-class discussion; action research plan  analysis; action research plan development; mid-term; final exam

Developing an action plan

Demonstrate the ability to develop a concrete action research plan

In-class discussion; action research plan; action research plan development; final exam

Communicating the results

Be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate the results of action research

In-class discussion; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term; final exam

Reflecting on the process

Be able to demonstrate the ability to be engaged in reflective practice

In-class discussion and activities; action research plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term exam; final exam

Writing up action research plan

Be able to write a clear action plan/proposal

In-class discussion; finalized action research plan l; mid-term; final exam

Research ethics

Demonstrate the importance of ethical behavior in conducting  research

In-class discussion; research action plan analysis; action research plan development; mid-term; final exam

 

 

 

SERVICES FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

 

The University provides environmental and programmatic access for persons with documented disabilities as defined in Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disability Act of 1990.  Any student who desires information or assistance in arranging needed services for a disabling condition should contact the Director of Special Students Services, Student Center, Room 203, (256) 372-4263.

 

ATTENDANCE POLICY

 

A student is permitted one (1) unexcused absence for each credit hour generated by the class. For example, two (2) absences are allowed in a two-hour class.

 

TUTORIAL ASSISTANCE

 

Tutorial assistance for undergraduate courses can be obtained from the Tutorial Assistance Network (TAN), a subsidiary of the Office of Academic Support Services.  TAN is located in Room 100C Buchanan Hall.  The telephone number is 256-372-5487.

 

 

GRADE DETERMINATION

 

EVALUATIONOF PERFORMANCE AND GRADE DETERMINATION

 

Assessment:  Multiple assessment techniques will be used to determine the extent to which the candidate has acquired the required knowledge.

 

Candidates will demonstrate that they have met the expected outcomes by satisfying the following:

 

Course

Requirements                               Points Award                        Percent of Total

 

Class attendance & participation                    100                                     10%

Prepare introduction                                         25                                         5%

Develop problem statement                                                                      755%

Develop research questions                              50                                       5%

Prepare a literature review                                75                                        5%

Develop research design                                   75                                         5%

Develop collection plan                                    50                                          5%

Mid-Term Examination                                   100                                       10%

Develop instrument for data collection              50                                        5%

Develop data analysis plan                                   50                                 5%

Develop reference list                                        50                                        5%

Develop research plan/proposal                       200                                      25%

Final Examination                                     100                                       10%                                                                                        ________

Total Possible   100%                    1000        Points                                100% Percent

Grading Scale                                                  Points ___________________Percent________________

 

Grading Scale:

A =  90-100%

B =  80-89%

C =  70-79%

D =  60-69%

F =  0-59%

 

 

Points

900 – 1000 Points = A

800 – 899 Points = B

700 – 799 Points = C

600 -  699 Points = D

0 –  590 Points = F

Grade

A 90-100% /900-1000 points

B 80-89%/800-899 points

C 70-79%/700-799 points

D 69-69%/600-699 points

F 0-59%/0-590 Points

Total Percent of Points 100%

 

An “I” will be awarded to a candidate if she/he has completed 75% of the work for the course and has earned less than 700 points.  If the remaining or assigned course requirements are not completed in accordance with university policy, the “I” (incomplete) grade will automatically be converted to “F”.

Total Number - Points 1000

Grades A-F

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

COURSE OUTLINE (including dates for assignments and examinations)

Session Date

Subject Matter or Topic

August

 

 

August

 

August

 

 

August

 

September

 

September

 

September

 

September

 

October

 

October

 

October

 

October

 

November

 

November

 

November

 

November

 

December

Introduction to course, discussion of course assignments and requirements

 

Overview of action research

 

Theoretical foundations of action research; roles of action research

 

Selecting topic, identifying problems

 

LRC Visit (Reference Department)

 

Research questions; literature Review

 

Sample Selection

 

Implementation of research plan

 

Instrumentation /Mid-Term Exam

 

Data collection

 

Data analysis

 

Communicating results

 

Reflecting on process

 

Writing action plan

 

Ethics; Some Final Considerations

 

Presentation of research plans

 

Final Examination

 

 

ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE AND DUE DATES

Session Week  & Date

Assignment

1   August

First Class Session – Introduction of course, discussion of course requirements

2   August

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings (Overview)

3   August

Theoretical foundations of action research; roles of action research

4   August

Blackboard for PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings

5   September

LRC Visit (Reference Department)

6   September

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; introduction due

7   September

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings

8   September

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; problem statement due

9    October

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; research question(s) due

10  October

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; literature due

11   October

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings

12 October

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; research design plan due

13  November

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; data collection plan due

14  November

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; instrument due

15  November

Blackboard PowerPoint slides, assigned & selected readings, reference list due; data analysis plan due

16 November

Research Presentations and Final Examination

17 December

Blackboard PowerPoint slides; assigned & selected readings; Research plan

Due (Presentations)