Saturday, August 3, 2013

Action Research Plan

Last year was the first year that every high school student and high school teacher had an iPad to use on a daily basis in class and at home.  The proper training was not followed to adequately support the teachers in the use of the iPads in the classroom and many teachers are questioning the value of the iPad in the classroom.  Algebra I grades and state testing results in Algebra I have been low for quite some time in my district.  I want to improve the results in Algebra I and also improve the use of the iPads in the classroom.

Will the use of iPads in the classroom improve student comprehension in Algebra I classes?  Will the use of this technology increase the Algebra I state testing results?


Action Research Plan
Goal: Enhance student performance in Algebra I classes by utilizing the iPads in the classroom.
Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation
Discuss Action Research Plan with site supervisor and district math coordinator


Michael Fore
August 2013
Meeting with site supervisor and district math coordinator
Approval from site supervisor and district math coordinator
Survey Algebra I teachers (anonymously) at Summit and Legacy High Schools to determine the level of use of the iPads in the classroom last year


Michael Fore
September 2013
Teacher Survey on Google Docs
Survey results
Research use of iPads in the Algebra I classes


Michael Fore
September 2013 /
December 2013
Internet, Algebra I teachers
Research notes
Train teachers on new ways and techniques of using iPads in class


Michael Fore
September 2013 / May 2014
Training location
Training evaluation forms
Analyze and interpret data of student achievement at the semester break.  Compare this data to last year’s data.

Michael Fore
January 2014
Access to data in Skyward
Graphs and/or spreadsheets displaying data
Survey the same group of teachers (anonymously) at the semester break to evaluate use of iPads in the classroom

Michael Fore
January 2014
Survey on Google Docs
Survey results
Analyze and interpret data of student achievement at the end of the year.  Compare this data to last year’s data.

Michael Fore
June 2014
Access to data in Skyward
Graphs and/or spreadsheets displaying data
Survey the same group of teachers (anonymously) at the end of the year to evaluate use of iPads in the classroom

Michael Fore
June 2014
Survey on Google Docs
Survey results
Analyze EOC date from 2013 to 2014
Michael Fore
June 2014
EOC Test results from 2013 and 2014 for Summit and Legacy
Graphs showing data collected
Share results with teachers and administrators in the district and make recommendations
Michael Fore
July 2014 /  August 2014
Results of action research plan
Final results to share

8 comments:

  1. Michael, This looks really good. If I was going to be picky, I'd use another word in your purpose rather than "comprehension" like "performance" since you are comparing grades.
    I'm curious as to whether you are comparing the same class's grades or if you are comparing the grades of two different classes over two different years. Be sure the classes are comparable. Also, are you using the same curriculum?
    Good luck with this!

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  2. Thanks Kathleen for your quick feedback. I will use performance. The same curriculum is being used from last year to this year. The only difference will be is the use of the iPad. I will compare the Algebra I class from last year to the Algebra I class from this year at two different high schools.

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  3. Michael, I like your action research plan. The problem that you are experiencing seems to be occuring everywhere. I think you did a great job outlining every set but I was wondering if you would want to survey your students at the end of the class to get their feedback into the use of the iPads? You can ask them if they like the integration of iPads in your class and if it made Algebra I easier to understand.

    Good luck!

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    Replies
    1. Its funny Kelly that you suggested that. When I was finishing up writing the in the discussion board for this week, I was thinking of that exact thing. I will probably add that to the end of the year to get the students feelings about the iPads. Thanks Kelly.

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  4. I like the idea. I would be interested to know the outcome and if it is positive, share your results with my administration. I do have one question. Are you planning on training the teachers all year or doing one in-service and then following trainings? It seems to me it might be hard to get results if you are still training teachers before the state testing. I could be wrong and just be reading it wrong.

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    Replies
    1. The training will be throughout the year as needed upon request from teachers or administrators from those campuses. I don't anticipate much training happening at the end of the year. But if there is, I am thinking that will be ok. That could help increase the student performance in class.

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  5. Wow, iPads for each teacher and student? That seems to be like a success story waiting to be written. I think that your plan looks great and it even gives me some ideas on how to improve my own. You have an extensive collaboration effort going on and that is so important if we want to change the culture of education. So often teachers are for themselves and are not willing to step outside their own rooms to ensure the success of a entire school. I look forward to reading your findings throught the year. Thank you.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Phonisha for your comments. I discussed this today with two AP's from these two campuses and they love the idea. It should be fun to do and I am excited to see the outcome and what I can share with others in the district about this research!

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