We're all pilgrims on the same journey-but some pilgrims have better road maps. Nelson DeMille
I need a better map. Marianne Wallace

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Action Research Plan

Action Planning Template
Goal: To determine the best method of professional development delivery concerning technology to professional educators.
Action Research Question: How can a PLC (Professional Learning Community) address the professional development needs of educators?

Action Steps(s):
Person(s) Responsible:
Timeline: Start/End
Needed Resources
Evaluation

Engage in  a PLC with other first grade teachers at Gillis Elementary;

Meet regularly with PLC; update wiki weekly



Self, other members of PLC

Start: 10/24/11

End:  5/15/12

Wiki set up for professional exchanges; members of PLC; meeting place (school~Gillis Elementary)

Reflections of PLC meetings posted on wiki; reflections on effectiveness of PLC; reflection on action research project. 


Research and share information about 2.0 web tools, PLC’s through literature, online education blogs, and websites




Self

Start:  11/7/11
          
End: 5/15/12




Computer for Internet searches

Reflections on wiki-article reviews posted on wiki
tutorials posted on wiki

Interview members of PLC concerning effects of PLC as a professional development tool






Compile  interview data



Self, site mentor










Self

Start:  4/30/12

End:   5/11/12








Start:  5/15/12

End:   5/30/12

Probing questions concerning success or failure of PLC as a professional development tool.



Interviews, computer

Information compiled and reported on wiki








Information compiled and reported on wiki and in final report



Conduct a survey of teachers in school to see what effects PLC have had as a tool for professional development










Compile  survey data





Self, site mentor
















Self

Start: 3/15/12

End:  3/30/12














Start:  4/1/12

End:  4/15/12

Probing questions concerning success or failure of PLC as a professional development tool; free website such as Survey Monkey on which to conduct survey





Survey information, computer

Information compiled using tool such as Survey Monkey













Information compiled using tool such as Survey Monkey
and reported on wiki and in final report



Compile data into final
research report, along with reflections, claims, and concluding thoughts



Self

Start: 5/15/12

End:  6/15/12


Data gathered, reflections

Final research report
Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools
(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

9 comments:

  1. Hey Marianne- Your plan look good. My only questions is if you are actually going to be doing some kind of Professional Development activities in the PLC's and if you should add it to your plan. I see that you will be meeting and using a wiki; I just wasn't sure if you were going to include the actual teacher learning opportunities as part of your plan. Other than that, it should be interesting to see what results you get. Good luck with everything!

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  2. Marianne,

    Your plan looks great! Does your campus have a video conference room? I spoke with my superintendent yesterday and told him I really wanted to have professional development via the video conference room. He said, "Why don't you go as far as to set up times with other teachers from different schools, in your grade level, to have video conference chats as to help each other with curriculum and what they are doing while sharing what we all are doing, with regards to our new Texas state standards test, STAAR." Just a thought if you happen to have access to that technology. I think I am definitely going to research that for my grade level. Good luck! I'm looking forward to seeing your results!

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  3. Marianne,
    Your plan looks good. I just set up a wiki for staff meeting agendas and discussions, Some folks are unwilling to give it a try. I found a little tutorial,about 5 minutes, helped relieve some of the hesitation and unwillingness. I really like the idea of the surveys. They are a great tool to gather feedback. Try SurveyMonkey.com

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  4. your plan looks very good .
    Did you evaluate the proffesional development implemented by your district regarding the same subject.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Larry, a tutorial is a good idea-I bet I can find a YouTube video to help out.
    Nicole, we don't have a video conference room, but we all have WhiteBoards we can Skype on. I think your superintendent has the right idea. I wish I was teaching this year, because I'd love for my class to visit your classroom! Next year for sure!
    Meredith, that is a great idea. I am hoping we learn some really cool things in the next class (MultiMedia) that will appeal to my coworkers. I've already shared Animoto & Wordle with them. Adding the specific activities is a good idea. Thank all of you for your valuable input!

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  6. Mansor, that is a good question. I don't know if my district had a professional development about PLC's or not. I know that the teachers at my school are required to form PLC's this year as part of their PGP's (Professional Growth Plans). I was told this due to a recommendation from a principal at another school who uses them for his faculty. I will have to check to see if the initiative is system-wide. If it is, I can expand my survey to other schools. Thanks for the idea!

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  7. I think you have a well crafted plan. I do like the use of a wiki, and agree with the suggestion of a short tutorial. Once teachers realize how easy it is to use, they'll buy in and collaborate.

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  8. Hi Marianne,
    Your plan looks great. The idea of using a wiki page to keep track of your activities is genius. It should make documenting your progress and insights easy to manage. Have you already set up a format for your meetings? I am trying to get a PLC going in my school to address the change of curriculum we are undergoing, but many people are hesitant to commit themselves to any more time. How much time are the teachers in your PLC committing?

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  9. Hi, Allicia. In answer to your question, our PLC will be meeting during regular planning times, at least once a month, perhaps as much as twice a month. That means we'll have 30 minutes of face time, so our meetings will have to be concise and stay on task. The plan is for the wiki to give collaborators the opportunity to continue learning at their own pace, when time permits.

    ReplyDelete