Like everyone else, I feel very overwhelmed right now, but also excited about the promise of a transformational experience! As I read through the first two chapters, I couldn't help but reflect on some of the strategies that we already use at our school that even remotely remind me of action research. I think the one that fits the best is PBS (Positive Behavior Support), in that students are the stakeholders and they have a big voice in deciding the appropriate conduct in the classroom. That is where the similarities end. Then there is RtI (Response to Intervention) which reminds me of Stringer's description of the cycle of the research in that teachers design interventions for students and if they work the teacher continues the interventions. If the interventions don't work, then we design new interventions and try them. So in that way, it is cyclical. However, the RtI model, as I was trained, doesn't allow student involvement in the design of interventions. It also doesn't ask teachers to seek the student's perspectives, or to conduct research.
I am interested in researching the effects of the use of technology on RtI outcomes. I know this is very specific and would include a small group (6-9) of students. RtI is brand new to our school this year and, I believe, it is fairly new to the county. I'm not sure if there is enough research available, or if it is even doable. I would like to use the cyclical nature that is already built into RtI and add student input into the actual interventions that reflect their perspective and experiences which would be technology based.
I would like to have some feedback ASAP so that I can begin work!! - Barbara Cloninger
Comments (5)
Barbara-
I was thinking the same thing as I read about the RTI process. This is my third action research project, and the last one really got me thinking about the process. I even posted a blog about how every time I turned a child into the CARE team, that I was doing action research. I think this project will be a good one since it may help many children who desperately need it. Stringer says, “Educators need to enter the life world of students to understand how to construct educational activities that are truly meaningful and worthwhile within their everyday lives.” What better way than to add student input into the actual interventions. You are on your way to a great project that will benefit many students.
Posted by Jill Mann | January 16, 2009 10:33 PM
Posted on January 16, 2009 22:33
Barbara-
I was thinking the same thing as I read about the RTI process. This is my third action research project, and the last one really got me thinking about the process. I even posted a blog about how every time I turned a child into the CARE team, that I was doing action research. I think this project will be a good one since it may help many children who desperately need it. Stringer says, “Educators need to enter the life world of students to understand how to construct educational activities that are truly meaningful and worthwhile within their everyday lives.” What better way than to add student input into the actual interventions. You are on your way to a great project that will benefit many students.
Jill Mann
Posted by Jill Mann | January 16, 2009 10:33 PM
Posted on January 16, 2009 22:33
Barbara-
I was thinking the same thing as I read about the RTI process. This is my third action research project, and the last one really got me thinking about the process. I even posted a blog about how every time I turned a child into the CARE team, that I was doing action research. I think this project will be a good one since it may help many children who desperately need it. Stringer says, “Educators need to enter the life world of students to understand how to construct educational activities that are truly meaningful and worthwhile within their everyday lives.” What better way than to add student input into the actual interventions. You are on your way to a great project that will benefit many students.
Jill Mann
Posted by Jill Mann | January 16, 2009 10:33 PM
Posted on January 16, 2009 22:33
I am curious about what your findings will show. Will a specific hardware need, software need, or staff development need stand out? There seem to be a lot of variables which will make a significant impact.
Posted by Shannon Mosteller | January 19, 2009 11:38 PM
Posted on January 19, 2009 23:38
Barbara,
This is an excellent idea. I like that you are already thinking of starting off with a manageable group of 6 students (I wouldn't do more than that for a 4-week study). And the strength of this study, I think, would be the student element that is added.
Hold on though -- we have to be systematic about things before data collection begins. Lit review, methodology, etc. :)
Posted by Alecia Jackson | January 21, 2009 2:18 PM
Posted on January 21, 2009 14:18