Week 1 – Assignment 2

Data Collection Strategies – Value and Appropriateness

 During EDU671, you engaged in a discussion regarding the type of data collection tools that you would use for your action research and were asked to justify their use in your study. You learned from Mills (2014) that, “the interpretation of qualitative data is the researcher’s attempt to find meaning, to answer the ‘So what?’ in terms of the implications of the study’s finding” (p.133). In EDU671, you explored data collection techniques and the process of triangulation of this information to the overall study. In this assignment, you further consider the method of data collection to narrow to the most logical and relevant approach to arrive at an answer to your respective research question(s). Make sure the type of data you plan to collect continues to be appropriate for your study. 

The finalization of the type of data collection adds value to your research. This assignment provides a useful framework for the development of the final project in this course in Week Six. You begin the implementation phase of your research in Week Two. During Weeks Two to Four you collect data. Here, in Week One, you consider the type of data you will obtain by referring to and updating as necessary the Data Collection Tool that you used in EDU671; below is an example:

  

 Research Questions

Data   Collection Tool 

Why this   tool? Justify its use in your study. How does it match with what you are   attempting to find and to measure?

 

Will the   incorporation of project-based learning improve students’ state assessment   scores as it relates to the Common Core State Standards in comprehending   non-fiction text?

District   Common Assessments (post-test)

This   research question requires quantitative data collection. The answer of this   question is either yes, the incorporation improves test scores or no, it does   not. District common assessments, which assess Common Core State Standards as   well, can also be used for post-test data. 

 

Will the   inclusion of project-based learning improve student application of   comprehending non-fiction text at a high depth of knowledge level?

Pretests   and post-tests

Pre- and   post-tests can give quantitative data to support findings in the examination   of the artifacts and with the observations.

 

How does   project-based learning integrate clear expectations and essential criteria   and remain successful?*

Questionnaires

This   question seems to only be able to warrant qualitative data collection because   it needs first-hand accounts of what expectations and criteria were used that   indicated success. Questionnaires can give the researcher an opportunity to   view how the teachers instill the expectations in the students.

* For those that are participating in this research that are involved in a non-educational organization, this project-based learning could be implemented many ways. The emphasis in action research, no matter what the organization or setting that is accessed, is learning with others rather than about others for the purpose of developing a reflective practitioner. It is important to consider, however, that the subjects of your study will with adults. Any research taking part outside of a school setting cannot involve minor children. Here are some examples: Community:      Implement a plan for Home Owners Associations meetings, implement      new/different services at community center based on member feedback Work setting:      Implementation of an organizational or time management strategy with      fellow employees Church setting:      Implement a strategy on an adult study team or bible study team  Own (minor) children:      Implement a strategy for study skills and/or habits, organization or time      management strategies, use of manners with others, implementing an earlier      bed time

Construct your assignment to meet the content and written communication expectations below. 

Content Expectations Study Title (.5 Points): Create a brief yet descriptive and creative title for      the study. Purpose (.5 Points):      Explain the purpose of your study. Research Questions (1 Points): State your research questions in a list format. Forms of Data (1.5 Points): In two-to-three paragraphs, describe the multiple      forms of data that you will collect (observations, interviews, artifacts,      etc.) and how this information will inform your research. Value of Data (2.5 Points): In two-to-three paragraphs, explain the value of the      selected forms of data and how this information will inform the focus and      research questions. Data Collection Tool (1 Points): Complete the Data Collection Tool and include it as an appendix in the assignment      document. You may also need to make updates, revisions, or other      adjustments, depending on any changes you have made to your study. 

Written Communication Expectations Page Requirement (.5 points): Three-to-four pages, not including title, references,      and appendix pages. APA Formatting (.5 points): Use APA formatting consistently throughout the      assignment. Syntax and Mechanics (.5 points): Display meticulous comprehension and organization of      syntax and mechanics, such as spelling and grammar.  Source Requirement (.5 points): Use no less than two scholarly sources in addition to      the Buczynski and Hansen (2014) and Mills (2009) textbooks, providing      compelling evidence to support ideas, and if applicable, reference to      original project if enhancement of existing project occurred. All sources      on the reference page need to be used and cited correctly within the body      of the assignment.

Next Steps: Review and Submit the Assignment
Review your assignment with the Grading Rubric to be sure you have achieved the distinguished levels of performance for each criterion. Next, submit the assignment to the course room for evaluation no later than Day 7.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

Area of Focus Statement: 

Brief Description of Intervention:

1. What data collection tools will you use to measure the impact of your research question(s)? How will these three (3) data collection tools help you get at the effectiveness of your intervention?

*3 instruments TOTAL using mixed methods (quantitative/qualitative) are needed, not 3 per question.

   

Research

Questions

Data   Collection Tool

Why   this tool?

Justify   its use in your study.

How   does it match with what you are attempting to find and to measure?

 

1.

 

2.

 

3.