Monday, March 14, 2011

Developing the Action Research Plan

Deb Kellas - EDLD5301 - EA1267 - Week 3 - Developing the Action Research Plan

  1. Goals and Objectives/Outcomes of the Research Investigation:
·         Design a usable, safe playground/outdoor classroom.
·         Create a few usable lesson plans for the outdoor classroom to get teachers started.
·         Field observation to experience the hands-on learning accomplished by our students.
  1. Activities Designed to Achieve the Objectives:
·         Solicit the help of ESC Head Start Staff, Head Start Dads, Eagel DADS, and Site base committee Dads, if necessary, to help in the construction and design of the playground/outdoor classroom.
·         Solicit the donation of food, drinks, and serving assistance to feed our construction crew.
·         Gather all the equipment and tools needed for the day of assembly.
·         Constant collaboration with site supervisor and playground/outdoor classroom committee.
  1. Resources and Research Tools Needed for Data Gathering:
·         I will use the Internet as a resource.
·         I will use literature on playground and outdoor classrooms as a resource.
·         I will use suggestions from people in this line of work or who have done this before.
·         I will use suggestions from my fellow students on the web-blog.
·         Collaboration with site supervisor and playground/outdoor classroom committee input.
·         Teacher Surveys
·         Field observations as the teachers take out their students to use the outdoor classroom.
·         Digital Camera
  1. Draft Timeline for Completion or Implementation of Activities:
·         February 23: set up appointment with Maintenance to see where all the equipment is being stored.
·         March 2: get all the equipment placed in one designated area.
·         March 3: have ESC Staff come over to ECC to make sure we have all donated equipment necessary to begin construction
·         March 3-25: Identify design or layout in collaboration with playground/outdoor classroom committee. Identify/Create a few lesson plans for teachers to use.
·         March 26: All construction and catering help will gather at 8:00 a.m. and begin construction of the playground/outdoor classroom.
·         March 28-April 8: Give maintenance crew time to put the Thompson Sealant on the equipment and allow drying.
·         April 11-May 27: Gather data regarding use of the outdoor classroom using Teacher Surveys, Field Observations, Interviews with teachers and students, and Pictures.
·         June-July: Write the Action Research Paper
  1. Persons Responsible for Implementation of the Action Research Plan:
·         Myself
·         Site Supervisor
·         Karen Rehders, Roxie Miles
·         ESC Head Start Construction Staff (John Hurst and Bob ?)
·         Head Start Dads, Eagle DADS, Committee Members Husbands
·         Site Base Committee Members
·         Lindale ISD Maintenance Crew
·         Teachers being surveyed
  1. Process for Monitoring the Achievement of Goals and Objectives:
·         Teacher Surveys and Interviews
·         Continuous Field Observation
·         Site Supervisor Interview for insight/input once it is complete.
·         Development of more Outdoor Classroom Lesson Plans in collaboration with the Teachers and Site Base Committee for continued use.
  1. Assessment Instrument(s) to Evaluate the Effectiveness of the Action Research Study:
·         Surveys, Interviews, Observations
·         Construction crew and Committee will play on the equipment to assess that it is sturdy and ready for use by Teachers and Students.
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4 comments:

  1. UnknownMarch 17, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    In constructing the playground have you research the American Disability Act and checked with your city on the codes for play grounds. This will bring up a lot of legal question, just something you may want to think about.

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  2. Deb's Action QuestionMarch 18, 2011 at 8:53 PM

    Greg, thank you for your comment. Yes, I have looked into the ADA laws in regard to playgrounds and the accessability for disabled children. The outdoor classroom will be an extension of our already exsisting regular campus playground with one exception. The outdoor classroom will be used by one or two classrooms at a time. We will make the classroom accessible for disabled children as much as possible. I appreciate your insight.

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  3. Dr. Sheryl AbshireMarch 22, 2011 at 10:39 PM

    Deb, you made some very smart choices with your plan, and topic. It is clear you put a lot of forethought into the plan, and it will pay off with impactful results.

    Keep up the good work!
    Dr. Abshire

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amy ClarkApril 21, 2011 at 6:06 PM

    Deb,

    WOW! What a great concept! Where are you getting the money for the equipment?

    ReplyDelete

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