GE 6247 - Action Research I

This course will be the first of two required courses in Action Research. Students will engage in the process of reflection, inquiry, and action in their own professional context. This course will assist the students in the development and planning phases of Chapters 1 and 2 of the action research project. Action research is an interactive inquiry process that balances problem solving actions implemented in a collaborative context with data-driven collaborative analysis or research to understand underlying causes enabling future predictions about organizational change (Reason & Bradbury, 2001). The various roles and skills necessary to be an effective action researcher in the field of education will be discussed alongside of understanding proper research methodologies regarding the creation of a clear, concise research question, finding an appropriate sample population, researching the topic adequately in a graduate level, providing validity of data findings, and conceptualizing results in a manner that brings forth adequate conclusions. Topics include identifying problems to investigate, selecting appropriate research methods, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions from the research. The major assignment for the course will be the completion of Chapters 1 and 2 undertaken in an educational setting in which the student is engaged in professional practice.

3 credits