Action Research...How to Use It

Action Research: What I Have Learned and How To Use It

Action research may be a new "title" for me; but, the philosophy or idea is not new. In my district, we promote student-based learning. This approach to learning encourages the student to be more actively involved in the learning process. Instead of the traditional lecturing from the teacher, where the teacher gives the information, the students would be given an assignment, an objective, or focus questions. The student, whether individually or within small groups, would then read or research the topic, discuss, draw conclusions, analyze, and possibly prepare a presentation to teach or inform their classmates. This concept or approach to learning makes the student responsible for their learning. It promotes "hands on" learning and encourages active participation from the student. This approach to teaching is the same as what our book describes as active research.

In our inservice training, we rarely have information given to us. We usually have a brief introduction or explanation of a new concept. Then, usually in small groups, we are given the tools to find the answers, discuss, research, and analyze how we could incorporate the idea into our own teaching techniques. Through this process. of action research., we often learn the advantages to using the new approach or concept. By having the learner involved in the research, whether it is students or professionals, it promotes a higher level of interest and helps the learner to retain the information.

In my classroom, English I and IV, I use action research on a regular basis. One way I use action research is by putting my students into small groups. Then, I assign a different section of reading to each group (sometimes referred to as chunking). The group has to read, discuss, analyze, and sometimes apply what they have read. This creates a "hands on" approach and helps the weaker students as well. After they have read and discussed the content, they have to present the information or teach the material to the rest of the class. Depending on the content of what we are learning, the group assignment varies.

USING BLOGS IN EDUCATION:

As educators, we are all aware of how our students are so technologically savy. We also face the challenges of keeping the students interested in learning and keeping them motivated. I think BLOGS would be a great way to encurage student discussions about the content they are learning. If they are on the computer, they are actively engaged in their learning. The BLOGS could help all students to better understand the content and hopefully increase their interest in what we are learning. In group discussions, some of the shy or lazier students sit back and let the others do the talking/discussing. If every student had to enter a blog, they would be forced to participate. If they knew their classmates were going to read their blogs, they would, hopefully, feel more motivated to particiapate. As an English teacher, I encourage any and all types of writing. I just want them to WRITE!!!