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Week 1

Essential Question: What is classroom research and how can it improve teaching and learning in my classroom?

Classroom research is a “process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research" (Ferrance, 2000). The research is done within the teacher's environment and is meant to inform and change future practices in order for the teacher to be better at their craft. While a teacher may work independently on a classroom research project, it is also common for a number of teachers or administrators to collaborate on a problem.

There are numerous benefits to performing classroom research. "Foremost among these is simply the desire to know more. Good teachers are, after all, themselves students, and often look for ways to expand upon their existing knowledge" (Ferrance, 2000). Research and reflecting on the outcome allows teachers to grow and improve. "Action research projects influence thinking skills, sense of efficacy, willingness to share and communicate, and attitudes toward the process of change" (Ferrance, 2000). In addition to the teacher's gains, classroom research encourages communication between colleagues and has potential to encourage school-wide changes.

The Action Research Cycle
https://www.thecreativeeducator.com/v07/articles/Embracing_Action_Research

In a less formal way, classroom research is already an important process of teaching that happens every day. As we complete lessons with our students, we sit back and reflect on how it went and what to change in order to improve next time we teach the lesson. This is key to being an effective educator (Kolk, n.d.).


Resources: 
Ferrance, E. (2000). Themes in Education: Action Research. Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory At Brown University. Retrieved from https://www.brown.edu/academics/education-alliance/sites/brown.edu.academics.education-alliance/files/publications/act_research.pdf

Kolk, M. (n.d.) Embrace Action Research. The Creative Educator. Retrieved from https://www.thecreativeeducator.com/v07/articles/Embracing_Action_Research

Comments

  1. AnonymousJune 30, 2020 at 12:32 PM

    Good description and response. Nice work.

    ReplyDelete

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