The University of Alabama

College of Education

Area of Teacher Education

 


CIE 620

Designing and Conducting Research on Classroom Teaching

 

Dennis W. Sunal,  302 C Graves Hall, 

Phone 348-7010, FAX 348-9863, e-mail dsunal@bamaed.ua.edu


 

Designing and Conducting Research on Classroom Teaching:  Three Hours.  Prerequisite:  graduate course in research methods or permission of instructor.  The practice and use of reflection and action research with emphasis on developing professional skills in performing and applying research on classroom teaching and learning leading to teacher empowerment and school reform.

 

1. Course Description      Teachers need to become more aware of conditions that create effective learning if they are to establish effective conditions for change.  To do this teachers must be empowered to have increasing capacity to take responsibility for the satisfying of their personal and professional needs. Designing and Conducting Research on Classroom Teaching is for classroom teachers, supervisors, administrators responsible for teacher improvement, and teacher educators who wish to increase their specific understanding and abilities of reflection in teaching, the development of the teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role.  The course will focus on the development and practice  of professional reflection and action research as a means to teacher enhancement, school change, and teacher empowerment.  This course goal will be accomplished by addressing the diversity of approaches, contexts, and processes now occurring in action research in teaching and school change leading to the improvement of quality in classroom teaching. 

       

        Reflection in education (relating to metacognition and constructivism in a more general sense) is a way of thinking that involves the ability to use critical thinking skills, make appropriate decisions, and assume responsibility for carrying out those decisions effectively.  The concept illustrates crucial aspects of teaching by guiding us towards an exploration of the nature of teachers’ knowledge, influences on its formation, how it is used in analysis of teaching/learning situations, and how it has become embedded in teachers’ actions.  Schon (1983) has used the distinctions of reflection-on-action and reflection-in-action to refer to preactive reflection and interactive reflection.  In an effort to demonstrate the the process of turning thought back on action others use the term “reflection as reconstructed experience”(Grimmett, MacKinnon, Erickson, and Riecken, 1990).

 

        Professional educators, weekly, make thousands of decisions in ongoing instruction and evaluating student learning.  These decisions are predominantly based on personal guesses, assumptions, traditional beliefs, textbook contents, teacher’s guides, intuitive theories, or research reports of laboratory findings.  Much of this knowledge base can be classified as “common sense knowledge” which is often a misleading guide to practice.  Prevalent misconceptions, held by all teachers, severely limit the possibility of effective change in schools.  Characteristics of misconceptions include stability, non public, unexamined, and many times wholly intuitive.  The tendency is to have our reality fit our theory.  From this perspective, teaching and learning are more likely viewed as a bag of tricks, “What can I do on Monday?” (Brause and Mayher, 1991).

       

        This reality is in contrast with the ability to construct “uncommon knowledge” which is characterized by 1) being susceptible to change through further observations and action research, 2) in better harmony with our changing view of reality, 3) shared with others, 4) tested continuously, and 5) more reflected upon and worked out in a local context. In constructing “uncommon knowledge” teachers subject their specific classroom practice to conscious scrutiny.  Action research is a form of self-reflective inquiry undertaken by teachers in educational situations in order to improve their own educational practices, their understanding of these practices, and the situations where these practices are carried out ( Kemmis, 1983).  In action research educational (classroom) knowledge is not validated independently and then applied to practice.  Instead, educational knowledge is validated through practice (Elliott, 1991).  Through use of reflection one can be made more aware and more perceptive of his/her own and others classroom teaching behaviors and practices.  This increased ability allows for more appropriate responses to student needs and more adaptable classroom planning and teaching behavior to achieve personal and other professional goals.  In carrying out professional responsibilities as reflective practitioners, educators today can use personal inquiry to form effective decisions and develop empowerment processes in schools.

 

2. Content Outline            The course content will focus on two broad themes.  The first addresses the variety of strategies to be used in looking at, reflecting, and describing what goes on in classrooms.  The second develops knowledge, concepts, and ideas about ways to effectively investigate teaching practices, find solutions to problems in the local classroom, manage change in schools, and development capacity for empowerment.

 

             The content represents a study of reflection in teaching, the development of the teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role, with emphasis on organizing, translating, and applying findings at the classroom level.  The scope and sequence of the course content will involve findings of process (observing and describing classroom teaching) and of acquiring an understanding of techniques (reading, designing, and conducting research) as a reflective teacher.  Included are the areas of:

 

·         Reflective teaching (teacher-learner/teacher-researcher)

·         Reflectivity as a function of community                 

·         Paradigms for research as teaching

·         Practitioner research as inquiry

·         Reading and writing educational research

·         Action research as a process and an approach to everyday realities

·         Action research as professional development

·         Generating hypotheses

·         Finding and framing questions

·         New lenses for old problems: Units of analysis in investigating teaching and learning

·         Observation techniques for classroom research     

·         Observation and analysis of the instructional processes      

·         School change

·         Dynamics and strategies of effective change in schools

·         Generating studies in your classroom

·         Teacher empowerment

·         Synthesizing research evidence: Critiquing and analyzing classroom data     

·         Critiquing educational research: Criteria for evaluating research in teaching

·         Critical issues

 

The extent and depth of content coverage in group or individual settings will vary and will relate to the needs of the course participants.

 

3. Course Outcomes         The purpose of development of teacher reflection and action research in classrooms is not better theory, but better teachers, teachers who understand learning more deeply, and teachers who are empowered to have increasing capacity to take responsibility for satisfying their personal and professional needs. Since course participants are expected to provide some direction as to course content, some end-of-course outcomes against which participants will evaluate themselves must be done on an individual basis.  Common objectives evaluated for all participants will involve developed or strengthened skills and knowledge in the following areas:

 

        A. Acquire skills in reading and analyzing the literature on research in teaching and research as teaching for the purpose of identifying appropriate reflective teaching inquiry alternatives in describing and solving problems in teaching and learning at the classroom level.

 

        B.  Acquire observational and inquiry strategies for evaluating classroom instructional practice, to identify the significant elements and features of instructional practice observed in classrooms, to determine whether appropriate relationships between these elements exist, and to recognize the complete set of elements necessary for effective learning in a particular classroom setting.  These skills are aimed at increasing abilities at analyzing problems that limit effective articulation, performance, and management of change in classroom instructional practice and teacher effectiveness.

 

        C. Acquire an overview of the literature on reflection in teaching, the development of the teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role, and management of change in classrooms and schools.

 

        D. Develop knowledge of the appropriate use of technology as an aid in the teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role.

 

        E. Develop skills and knowledge in teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role areas specifically related to the participant’s major teaching fields or professional responsibilities.

 

4. Texts and Readings             Each participant is expected to read assigned materials for a common course foundation and, in addition, to read broadly from other selected materials in the field.  It is the intention of the instructor to conduct the class in a manner so that each participant will contribute to the subject matter or issue at hand, to be able to make class contributions based not only on their own judgment and experience, but also on the basis of their reading.

 Common core readings for background information and direct discussion will be assigned in:

 

Anderson, G., Herr. K., & Nihlen, A. (1994). Studying your own school. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, Inc. ISBN 0-8039-6114-6

 

Brause, R, S. and Mayher, J. (1991).  Search and re-search: What the inquiring teacher needs to know.  New York: The Falmer Press. ISBN 1-85000-856-6

 

Kohn, A. (1998). What to look for in a classroom.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Pub.

 

Sunal, D. (2000).  Reflection and research on classroom teaching. Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama, Alabama Printing.

 

            Additional readings will include materials from the course bibliography and searches in the library, ERIC, Dissertation Abstracts, Internet  and other library databases.

  

5. Description of Assignments     Evaluation for a final grade in this course will be determined through a portfolio contract arrangement.  The work is cumulative as specified below; that is, to qualify for a higher grade, the work for each preceding lower grade must be completed satisfactorily.  To receive a B, for example, all work specified for C and B must be completed. 

        By the second class meeting, each course participant is required to submit a contract with the grade specified she/he intends to work towards.  This will constitute an agreement on level of participation between participant and instructor in regards to course requirements and experiences.

        Work submitted or performed is subject to instructor approval.  To be judged acceptable all assignments must give evidence of professional level preparation and research.  This includes evidence of reflective thinking, successful use of personal inquiry skills, self evaluation, and in class presentation of meaningful ideas.  Assignments will become part of a professional portfolio which may also include electronic publishing and distribution.  In addition, major assignments written must be submitted in duplicate and written in APA format (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4th Edition, 1994).  One will be returned with comments.

       Finally,  assignments are negotiable.  To make a particular assignment more appropriate to your needs, you are encouraged to propose modifications or substitutions.  These changes must be negotiated and agreed upon with the instructor before beginning the assignment and relate to the course purpose and objectives.

 

Participation Level and Evaluation

 

Grade of C

A. Participation in all class sessions and special class sessions (school classroom observations, e-mail, Internet visits, school visits, teacher/school help sessions, etc.) is of special importance in the total course learning experience.  In the event of an emergency absence, you must contact the course instructor and contract for alternative activities. Participation involves being active in whole group class activities, completion of all common textbook background readings, active participation in class discussion of readings, effective participation in cooperative learning groups, extent of effort expended in class assignments, and additional self-initiated learning activities. 

             Emphasis in class discussion will be on analysis and critiquing using concepts derived from readings rather than recall or summary of specifics.  In addition, questions brought to mind during reading should be noted for possible group discussion.  A cooperative learning group will be formed to review and discuss course readings.  You will have some responsibility for helping members in the group to successfully apply the concepts in the readings to their classroom setting.  

            Full attendance and effective participation in class discussions, interviews, and written materials will be the primary sources of data for this assignment.

 

B.     Using/Integrating Technology in Reflective Teaching and Action Research:  Many activities performed in CIE 620 will require the use of technology.  General skill level should be demonstrated continuously through most course activities.  Higher level application of technology will be developed in specific assignments.  Twelve technology applications in reflective teaching and action research will be required and must be demonstrated in the course activities.

1) Produce (either students or teacher) a videotape for use in an action research activity.

2) Use a video laser disk  or video tape in collecting data an action research activity.

3) Develop and use presentation software in a professional presentation.

4) Use an electronic scoring system in an action research activity (could be as simple as a spread sheet to score observations on a checklist ).

5) Use an electronic data storage system in an action research activity (could be as simple as data base software).

6) Use a quantitative electronic data analysis software in an action research activity.

7) Use a qualitative electronic data analysis software in an action research activity.

8) Capture illustrations or pictures electronically or graph data from data analysis software and transport it into a presentation software presentation, web site, and a final word processed report.

9)  Graph data from data analysis software and transport it into a presentation software presentation or a final word processed report.

10) Search and use at least three electronic library databases to update and extend information on reflective teaching, action research, school change, and teacher empowerment concepts (eg. ERIC and OERI).

11) Use the Internet to update and extend information on your work in reflective teaching, school change, teacher empowerment and critical skills in classroom research on teaching.

12) Help a peer teacher (not in this course) to search and use the Internet to update and extend information on reflective teaching, action research, school change, or teacher empowerment.

13) Construct an operational web site on reflective teaching, action research, school change and teacher empowerment.

14) Share professional sources and idea papers written in CIE 620 with other teachers by posting them on a 620 Web site.

15) Join an AERA  professional list serve discussion group.

16) Discuss major questions of reflective teaching with peers at other schools, and/or another university using a professional list serve.

17) Other (discuss with instructor first) ____________________________________

 

         Effective participation in class discussions, interviews, and course portfolio will be the primary sources of data for this assignment.

 

C. Hand in contract by the second course session. Also, obtain a BAMAED account number, complete construction of a personal web site on Internet for sharing information and a forum for discussion, and join an AERA list serve discussion group.  Document all in course portfolio.

 

D. A series of observation and analysis techniques will be covered in the course through readings and video tapes.  In order to develop practical knowledge from each one, you will be asked to practice each of these research observation techniques in classrooms, with teachers’ and students or with instructors written approval a computer simulation, video tape, CD- Rom, or videodisc providing a simulation of a key idea. In each case success on the tasks will include an acceptable written description of the question asked, observation instrument used, data gathered, conclusion based on results and completion of observation and/or analysis sheets found in the course handbook, Reflection and Research on Classroom Teaching, documented in course portfolio. Some may involve inclusion of a tape.  See instructor if in doubt.

 

E.  Research Reviews: Perform six literature data base searches and critiques of self-selected readings in topic areas (see below) being discussed in the course. The purpose will be to provide alternative literature to further understand teacher reflective processes at a greater depth and to extend the knowledge base of reflection in educational practice.  Sources include articles or chapters from the following; course bibliography and other books, professional journals, and papers presented at conferences on educational research.  See instructor if in doubt. 

        

1. Research Type Techniques Review:  Prepare written critiques of educational research articles representing  1) hypothesis testing research and 2) hypothesis generating research on classroom teaching.  Select a representative article for each and get approval from course instructor before you start.  See Brause and Mayher for reading guidelines.  The written "critiques" are to be a minimum of three (3) pages and include a) a complete reference and an annotation, b) a two paragraph description of the presenter's main thesis, c) evaluation of the article components as an research inquiry into a meaningful idea, d) possible impact on instructional practice, e) questions, at least one, raised by the article and f) references.  The critiques will be discussed in class and related to course content.

2. Propositional Topic Question Research will provide wider professional reading breadth for key topics covered in the course.  This may involve preparation for interviews, cyberspace discussions, or propositional debates involving course participants.  For four Propositional Research Questions complete a literature research review and/or an article or chapter critique for specific questions, see schedule and topics below.  Course activities for each Propositional Topic Question following this research may include 1) For guest speakers develop a question and a statement providing information that outlines the concerns or issues to which the speaker is being asked to respond.  Use the research literature to develop the informative statement. 2) For cyberspace discussions develop a question and a statement providing with information that outlines the concerns or issues to which the professional chat group is being asked to respond. The question should be discussed for a period of at least three weeks with several rounds of responses. 3) For propositional debates develop a defense for a side of a proposition and defend it in a debate.  The defense should include developing a bibliography, reading supportive material and developing a statement for one side of the proposition. The debate should begin by reporting a defense statement for the side defended and orally defending the side using the research literature rather than personal experience or feelings.

                  In each case success on the task will include a literature review as evidenced by a print out of a data base search on the topic, an acceptable written critique entry for at least one significant item (article) found in the data base search, and a presentation to your cooperative learning group or the whole class.  The critique should focus on a) a complete reference, b) the presenter's main thesis and a brief summary of the article, c) critique from a reflection-in-action research frame of reference, d) possible impact on instructional practice, and later [see below to be added to your web site] e) a written statement of the results of the interchange for the proposition topic questions. and f) questions, at least one, raised.  The four questions  for which reviews will be researched include;

                     Propositional Topic Questions

1) Expert teachers are more reflective about what they perceive and what they “know. It explains why teachers are not effective with many students. Reflectivity should be defined as part of the response.

2) Change is inevitable in classroom teaching. Staff development has not been effective in helping teachers deal with change. Proficiency in action research as teaching is an important paradigm in developing an effective teacher. Without expertise in action research teachers cannot improve. Change and action research should be defined as part of the response.   

3) Teacher empowerment is required if change in schools is to be useful. Teachers must have the leadership role in any successful school change. Empowerment  should be defined as part of the response.

4) The most critical skills and problems in research on classroom teaching--. Key terms should be defined as part of the response.

 

         For all readings 1 to 4, add the single article citation with an annotation along with your response to e) and f) above to your personal web site for each completed proposition question. Completion of web site listing, critique in participant portfolio, interviews, and effective participation in class discussions will be the primary sources of data for this assignment.  

 

F. Exams: Two exams (mid term and final) will be given.  Questions will be of several types, for example short answer and essay asking for application, critical thinking, and decision making. The mid term and one half of the final exam will include questions related to the readings, course content/processes, and application of course content in a classroom problem scene or setting.  One half of final exam, in addition, will include your portfolio of work completed before the exam which demonstrate quality of engagement, understanding, and growth in the objectives of the course.

            The portfolio will involve the following tentative list of categories  Comments and critiques of course readings (A & E), notes and materials documenting completion of technology applications in reflective teaching to date (B),  notes and materials documenting your practice and development of research observation techniques (D), revised research plans (H), action research project (J), critiques and notes on additional readings (L1), additional self selected entries demonstrating growth in research on classroom teaching(L2).

 

G. Successful completion of all exams at the “C” grade level. Six technology applications in reflective teaching and action research, see B above, will be required and must be demonstrated in the course activities.  Practice two observation techniques, see D above, in classrooms and document in the course portfolio.

 

Grade of B

H. Reflection-in-action, action research plan: Contract for, plan, and present as part of a class session two reflection-in-action, action research plans.  These are to be only plans for action not completed projects.  The full write up may be completed in sections J & optional activity below. The purpose of these activities will be to provide additional application practice in developing the teacher-learner/teacher-researcher role. You will design a plan to carry out a action research investigation for a classroom teaching problem. The research plans will turn common sense knowledge of a practice into uncommon sense knowledge

       

        1) One research plan will involve hypothesis testing research.  The focus and questions should derive from the course readings in one primary topic area in the course. This may be a cooperative learning group activity.  The plan of the activity will be to investigate and verify, through survey, interview, observation and other data collection, a main idea (key course concept or process) found in the course texts or one of the other course readings..

       

        2) The second plan will involve hypothesis generating research.  This will be an individual learning activity.  The focus and questions should originate from the from course experiences in activities from section D and a main idea (key course concept and/or process) found in the texts or one of the other course readings.  The plan of the activity will be to investigate a problem through survey, interview, observation and other data collection.

        ----------------------------

        The following procedure is recommended to maximize the learning experience involved in the above two projects. 

 

        (a) A written proposal for each project should first be submitted to the instructor.   The proposal should include the project title and abstract, with a minimum of 50 words. The instructor will review the proposal and return it with comments.  Start only after approval has been obtained.

       

        (b) The final full write up of the plans will follow the format suggested in Brause and Mayher’s text for designing and conducting classroom inquires. Two hard copies (3+ pages each) and a copy on your web site for each action research plan will be required. 

 

        (c) Your paper, copies of presentation handouts, and copies of transparencies should be turned in as part of the course portfolio.  Participants are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with the instructor and discuss their work in all stages of preparation.

 

I. Successful completion of all exams at the “B” grade level.  Perform nine technology applications in reflective teaching and action research, see B above, and practice four observation techniques,  see D above, in classrooms and document in the course portfolio.

 

Grade of A

J. Classroom Action Research Project: Plan for, carry out, and report on action research in a reflective activity involving observation techniques from section D as well as other data gathering techniques.  The structure of this activity is one of “hypothesis generation”.  The action research should involve course concepts and processes.  One or more classroom teachers or students will be subjects of the investigation. To complete the activity, make a presentation and prepare a written report of the events involving a journal entry for each interview, contact, or visit and a concluding summary narrative in a paper (12+ pages) of the evolution of the process in terms of the course goals.  The format will follow and use the hypothesis generating format  discussed in Brause and Mayher.  Exact topics can be applied for by writing your name, a description of the topic to be researched and subjects to be investigated on the appropriate section of a sign up sheet on or before class session #7.  Your paper, copies of presentation handouts, and copies of transparencies should be turned in as part of the course portfolio.

 

K. Successful completion of all exams at the “A” grade level.  Perform at least twelve technology applications in reflective teaching and action research, see B above, and practice at least six observation techniques, see D above, in classrooms and document in the course portfolio.

 

L. Additional assignments and self-selected activities may be added. These would be added to the courses activities in A above and to the course portfolio.

 

7. Course Grading

          Grading will involve development of a portfolio of materials and exams demonstrating course concepts and processes. 

 

    Schedule of Assignments

            Assignment     Topic                                                   Due Date

 

            A                     Participation & Readings                       Weekly & in course portfolio

            B                      Technology Applications                        Weekly & in course portfolio

            C                      Contract                                               2nd course session

           D                     Observation Techniques                         Weekly and in course portfolio

            E                      Research Reviews                                See schedule dates & in portfolio

            F,G,I, K            Exams                                                  7th and last course session

            H                     1) Hypothesis Testing Plan                     5th course session

                                    2) Hypothesis Generating Plan               7th course session

            J                       Classroom Research Project Proposal    7th course session

                                    Classroom Research Project                  Last course session

            L                      Additional Assignments                          TBA

                       

            Individual appointments should also be made for clarification of material presented in class and in the readings.

            If unable to attend or turn in an assignment, for a valid reason, the course participant must contact the instructor prior to the course event or assignment date to reschedule an alternative activity.  Other brief special assignments may be assigned as are appropriate for instruction.

            In the case that the above assignments do not meet the minimum criteria for the contracted grade, even with repetition of work where possible, evaluation for course grading will be applied as described below.

      

                   WEIGHTING

       A = 90%            A. 10%, P/F & part of F               E.  Part of F                             L. Part of F

       B = 80%            B.  Part of F                                 F. G.I.K. 45%                         

       C = 70%            C.  P/F                                         H. 20% & part of F                  

       D = 60%            D. Part of F                                  J.  25% & part of F                   ________

       E < 60%                                                                                                                  100+P/F

 

 ******************************************************************

            All acts of dishonesty in any work constitute academic misconduct.  The Academic Misconduct Disciplinary Policy will be followed in the event of academic misconduct.

            It is the policy of the College of Education to make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.  If you are a person with a disability and desire to complete the course requirements, please notify the course instructor as soon as possible to discuss the request.

******************************************************************


Tentative Schedule of CIE 620 Course Activities

Weekend          Topics and Activities                        Readings and Assignments Due

______    ______________________________        ___________________________

  1             What We Believe is What We See Vs           B, W, S bring every class session

 1/7           Inquiring/Learning as Teaching, Teacher       

                 Knowledge, Reflection in Teaching

 

  2,3           Reflectivity and Reflective Growth                B ch. 1,2; W ch.1,2, H ch. 1

1/15-16    in Classroom Teachers                                   Propositional question # 1(E2): debate/   

                 Teacher Growth, Reflective Practice             Reflectivity

                 and Teacher’s Craft Knowledge

                 Preactive Decisions: Teacher Planning

                 as Classroom Research                                

 

  4             Paradigms for Research as Teaching;            B ch. 3; H ch. 2-3;

1/21           Interactive Decisions: Teacher Thinking         Hypothesis Testing Critique (E1) completed

                 as Classroom research; Reflectivity as a

                 Function of Community

 

 5              Reading and Interpreting Classroom               B ch 4; W ch 3-4; Hypothesis Testing Plan

2/4            Research, Hypothesis Testing;                       (H1) completion and presentation

                 Personal Inquiry

 

 6              Reading and Interpreting Hypothesis              B ch. 5; W ch. 5; Hypothesis Testing

2/11           Generating Classroom Research                    Critique (E1) completed

 

 7              Observation Techniques for Action                H ch. 6-7: B ch. 6; Hypothesis Generating

2/18           Research                                                     Plan (H1) completion and presentation;

                                                                                    Mid Term Exam

 

 8              Conducting Research on Classroom               B ch. 7-9; H ch. 8 & Appndx; W ch. 6;

4/8            Practice/ Finding and Framing Questions;       Propositional question #2(E2); guest                              

                 Change in Schools and Classrooms                speaker/Change

 

 9              Collecting & Analyzing Classroom Data         H ch. 9-10; W ch. 7;

4/15           Units of Analysis in Investigating                   Propositional question #3 (E2); cyberspace                    

                 Teaching, Teacher Empowerment                 discussion/Teacher Empowerment                                                                                                                                             

10,11       Action Research as Classroom Teaching;        B ch. 10; H ch. 11-12; W Ch. 8;

4/30-         Effects of Teaching; Criteria for                    Propositional question #4 (E2); debate/

5/1            Evaluating Research on Classroom                Critical Skills and Problems in Research on

                 Teaching, Critical Skills and Problems            Classroom Teaching;     Final Exam

                                                                                    Presentation of Action Research Project (J)       

*B=Brause and Mayher; H=Hopkins; S=Sunal; W=Whitaker

 

 

CIE 620 Bibliography

 

Arnold, K. D.  (1991).  Women's ways of inquiring: Collaborative practitioner/ student research.  Initiatives, 54(2).

Atkin, J.M. (1992). Teaching as research: An essay. Teaching-and-teacher-education, 8, 381-390.

Brause, Rita, S. and Mayher, John S. (1991).  Search and re-search: What the inquiring                      teacher needs to know.  New York: The Falmer Press.

Brown, Sally & McIntyre, Donald (1993).  Making sense of teaching.  Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Bullough, R. V., Jr.  (1989).  Teacher education and teacher reflectivity.  Journal of Teacher Education, 40(2), 15-21.

Burch, P. (1993). Circles of change: Action research on family-school-community partnerships. Equity and choice, 10, 11-16.

Burgess, Robert G. (1985).  Field methods in the study of education. New York: The Falmer Press.                                          

Calhoun, E.F (1993). Action research: Three approaches. Educational Leadership, 51, 62-65.

Calderhead, James (1987).  Exploring teachers' thinking.   London: Cassell Publishers.

Calderhead, J. & Gates, P. (1993).  Conceptualizing reflection in teacher development.  Washington, D.C.: The Falmer Press.

Clift, Renee, T., Houston, W. Robert, and Pugach, Marleen C. (1990).  Encouraging reflective practice in education.  New York:  Teachers College Press.

Croll, Paul, (1986).  Systematic classroom observation.  New York: The Falmer Press.

Constable, H., Farrow, s., & Norton, J. (1994).  Change in classroom practice.  Washington, D.C.: The Falmer Press.

Dillon, Ronna F. and Sternberg, Robert J. (1986).  Cognition and instruction.  Orlando, FL:  Academic Press, Inc.

Dunkin, Michael J. (1987).  The International encyclopedia of teaching and teacher education.  New York: Pergamon Press.

Elliott, John (1991). Action research for educational change.  Philadelphia: Open University

Ely, M., Anzul, M., Friedman, T.,  Garner, D. & Steinmetz, A. (1991).  Doing qualitative research: Circles within circles.  New York: The Falmer Press.

Evertson, Carolyn M. and Green, Judith L. (1986).  Observation as inquiry and method.  In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York: Macmillan. (pp. 162-213)

Erickson, Frederick, (1986). Qualitative methods of research on teaching. In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 119-161, 3rd ed.).

Feldman, A. (1994). Erzberger’s dilemma: Validity in action research and science teachers’ need to know. Science education, 78, 83-101.

Fenwick, T. (1998). Managing space, energy, and self: Junior high teachers’ experiences of classroom management. Teaching and teacher education, 14, 619-631.

Foshay, A.W. (1994). Action research: An early history in the United States. Journal of curriculum and supervision, 9, 317-325.

Greenwood, Gordon E. and Parkay, Forrest W. (1989).  Case studies for teacher decision making.  New York: Random House.

Good, Thomas L. and Brophy, Jere E. (1987).  School effects.  In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 570-604, 3rd ed.).

Gove, M.K. & Kennedy-Calloway, C. (1992). Action research: Empowering teachers to work with at-risk students. Journal-of-reading, 35,  526-534.

Hamilton, M.L. (1995). Relevant readings in action research. Action in teacher education, 16, 79-81.

Hargreaves, David H. and Hopkins, David (1991).  The Empowered school.  New York: Cassell Educational Ltd.

Haysom, John. (1985).  Inquiring into the teaching process.  Toronto: The Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.

Herrick, M.J. (1992). Research by the teacher and for the teacher: An action research model linking schools and universities. Action-in-teacher-education, 14, 47-54.

Johnson,  C.S.  & Kromann-Kelly, I. (1995). Using action research to assess instruction. Reading horizons, 35, 199-208.

Kincheloe, J. (1991).  Teachers as researchers: Qualitative inquiry as a path to empowerment.  New York: The Falmer Press.

Kirby, John R. (1984).  Cognitive strategies and educational performance.  Orlando, FL:  Academic Press, Inc.

Kirby, P. C., & Teddlie, C.  (1989).  Development of the reflective teaching instrument.  Journal of Research and Development in Education, 22(4), 45-51.

Kolb, D. (1984). Experimental learning: Experience as the source of learning and development.  Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Kyle, W.C. & others. (1991). The role of research in science teaching: An NSTA theme paper. Science-education, 75, 413-418.

Levine, John M. and Wang Margaret C. (1983).  Teacher and student perceptions:  Implications for learning.  Hillsdale, NJ:  Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers.

Leinhardt, G., & Greeno, J.  (1986).  The cognitive skill of teaching.  Journal of Educational Psychology, 78(2), 75-95.

Lincoln, Y. (1995). In search of students’ voices. Theory into practice, 34, 88-93.

Lunsford, B. (1995). A league of our own. Educational Leadership, 52, 59-61.

Marchant, G. J.  (1989).  Metateaching: A metaphor for reflective teaching.  Education, 109(4), 487-489.

MacKinnon, A., & Grunau, H.  (1991).  Teacher development through reflection, community, and discourse.  Presented at the Annual Meeting of the AERA., Chicago.

McKay, J.A. (1992). Professional development through action research. Journal-of-staff-development, 13, 18-21.

Olson, John (1992).  Understanding teaching.  Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Pedretti, E. & Hudson, D. (1995). From rhetoric to action: Implementing STS education through action research. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 32,463-485.

Petrosko, J.M. & Lindle, J.C. (1998). Standards-based school reform in Kentucky elementary schools: A longitudinal study. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American educational research association.

Pope, S., & Smith, L.  (1991).  Classroom to classroom: Restructuring to meet field experience needs.  Paper presented at 71st annual meeting of the ATE, New Orleans, LA

Reynolds, D. & Cuttance, P. (1992).  School effectiveness: Research, policy, and practice.  New York: Cassell Educational Ltd.

Reynolds, Maynard C. (1989).  Knowledge base for the beginning teacher.  New York: Pergamon Press.

Ross, D.  (1989).  First steps in developing a reflective approach.  Journal of Teacher Education, 40(2), 22-30.

Ross, E. Wayne, Cornett, Jeffrey W. & McCutcheon (1992).  Teacher personal theorizing.  Albany, N.Y.: State University of New York Press.

Siegel, Harvey. (1990).  Educating reason: Rationality, critical thinking, and education. New York: Routledge Publishers.

Shulman, Lee S. (1986).  Paradigms and research programs in the study of teaching: A contemporary perspective.  In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 3-36, 3rd ed.).

Shavelson, Richard J. (1986).  Measurement of teaching.  In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 50-91, 3rd ed.).

Smyth, John. (1987).  Educating teachers: Changing the nature of pedagogical knowledge.  New York: The Falmer Press.

Smyth, J.  (1989).  Developing & sustaining critical reflection in teacher education.  Journal of Teacher Education.

Sparks-Langer, G., Simmons, J., Pasch, M., Colton, A., & Stack, A.  (1990).  Reflective pedagogical thinking: How can we promote it and measure it.  Journal of Teacher Education, 41(5), 28-32.

Sparks-Langer, G., & Colton, A.  (1991).  Synthesis of research on teachers' reflective teaching.  Educational Leadership, 48(6), 37-44.

Stones, Edgar  (1992).  Quality teaching.  New York: Routledge

Sunal, D. W.  (1998).  Reflection and research on classroom teaching., Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama, Ferguson Printing.

Surbeck, E., Han, E., & Moyer, J.  (1991).  Assessing reflective responses in journals.  Educational Leadership.

Whitaker, Patrick (1993).  Managing change in schools. Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Wallberg, H. J. ((1986).  Synthesis of research on teaching. In M. C.Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 214-229, 3rd ed.).

Weinstein, C. F. and Mayer, R. F.  The teaching of learning strategies.  In M. C. Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 315-327, 3rd ed.).                       

Whitaker, Patrick (1993).  Managing change in schools. Philadelphia: Open University Press.

Wittrock, M. C. (1986).  Students' thought processes.  In M. C.Wittrock (Ed.), Handbook of research on teaching.  New York:  Macmillan. (pp. 297-314, 3rd ed.).

Wittrock, M. L.  (1986).  Handbook of research on teaching (3rd ed.). New York:Macmillan.
B. Using/Integrating Technology in Reflective Teaching and Action Research:  

 

Many activities performed in CIE 620 will require the use of technology.  General skill level should be demonstrated continuously through most course activities.  Higher level application of technology will be developed in specific assignments.  Twelve technology applications in reflective teaching and action research will be required and must be demonstrated in the course activities.

_______ 1) Produce (either students or teacher) a videotape for use in an action research activity.

 

_______ 2) Use a video laser disk  or video tape in collecting data an action research activity.

 

_______ 3) Develop and use presentation software in a professional presentation.

 

_______ 4) Use an electronic scoring system in an action research activity (could be as simple as a spread sheet to score observations on a checklist ).

 

_______ 5) Use an electronic data storage system in an action research activity (could be as simple as data base software).

 

_______ 6) Use a quantitative electronic data analysis software in an action research activity.

 

_______ 7) Use a qualitative electronic data analysis software in an action research activity.

 

_______ 8) Capture illustrations or pictures electronically or graph data from data analysis software and transport it into a presentation software presentation, web site, and a final word processed report.

 

_______ 9)  Graph data from data analysis software and transport it into a presentation software presentation or a final word processed report.

 

_______ 10) Search and use at least three electronic library databases to update and extend information on reflective teaching, action research, school change, and teacher empowerment concepts (eg. ERIC and OERI).

 

_______ 11) Use the Internet to update and extend information on your work in reflective teaching, school change, teacher empowerment and critical skills in classroom research on teaching.

 

_______ 12) Help a peer teacher (not in this course) to search and use the Internet to update and extend information on reflective teaching, action research, school change, or teacher empowerment.

 

_______ 13) Construct an operational web site on reflective teaching, action research, school change and teacher empowerment.

 

_______ 14) Share professional sources and idea papers written in CIE 620 with other teachers by posting them on a 620 Web site.

 

_______ 15) Join an AERA  professional list serve discussion group.

 

_______ 16) Discuss major questions of reflective teaching with peers at other schools, and/or another university using a professional list serve.

 

_______ 17) Other (discuss with instructor first) ____________________________________