Action Research in the Classroom

Helping Teachers Assess and Improve their Work

By (author) Sister Mary Ann Jacobs, Bruce S. Cooper

Not available to order

Publication date:

06 April 2016

Length of book:

190 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9781475820959

Action Research in the Classroom: Helping Teachers Assess and Improve their Work guides teacher-researchers through the process of using action research in their practice to improve students’ learning and teachers’ teaching. The book uses actual classroom examples to assist aspiring, new, and veteran teachers and those who support them (administrators, department chairpersons, and mentors) in using a six-step process L.E.A.D.E.R. to successfully accomplish and share research conducted by actual classroom teachers. Each step in the L.E.A.D.E.R. process -- (1) L=Look at the Problem, (2) E=Examine what we know; (3) A=Acquire knowledge of school problem-solving; (4) D=Devise a plan for improvement; (5) E=Execute the plan; and, (6) R=Repeat steps and processes as needed -- can guide teachers, administrators, and even parents – and students – in solving their own problems and improving their learning and teaching.

Preface
PART I. UNDERSTANDING THE PROCESS
Chapter 1: Improving Teacher Preparation and Practices
Chapter 2: Understanding Teachers and Improving Life in the Classroom
Chapter 3: Principals’ Role in Supporting Research & Improving Practices for New Teachers
PART II. SIX STEPS IN THE PROCESS OF L.E.A.D.E.R.
Chapter 4: Building a Program for Teachers and Students: Six Steps to Becoming a Classroom L.E.A.D.E.R.
Chapter 5: Looking at the Problem
Chapter 6: Examining What’s Known
Chapter 7: Acquiring New Knowledge through Action Research
Chapter 8: Devising Plans for School Improvement: Action Research in Action
Chapter 9: Executing & Evaluating the PLAN: How to Start and Make It Work
Chapter 10: Repeating the Steps as Needed: Helping Teachers Implement Change and Share Findings
PART III. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF ACTION RESEARCH
Chapter 11: Samples and Examples of Action Research
Chapter 12: RESEARCH on the RESEARCH: What Works in Action Research & What Pitfalls to Avoid
Testimonials
About the Authors

Action Research in the Classroom: Helping Teachers Assess and Improve their Work clearly delineates the difference of research in education and action research conducted by educators in the classroom. The creation of the six-step process (L.E.A.D.E.R.) provides a foundational approach to conducting action research. The anecdotal examples in the book are not only delightful but also provide insight into how easy and effective action research can be following L.E.A.D.E.R. I believe Action Research in the Classroom: Helping Teachers Assess and Improve their Work should become part of the canon of texts that teacher aspirants should read and then keep on their desks as new and developing teachers.