Learning Outcomes

This week students will:

1. Organize data for analysis.
2. Share data/outcomes from action research.
3. Use digital tools to organize data.
4. Showcase outcomes of intervention/innovation using digital tools.

Introduction

During Week Four, you began thinking about the data analysis process as well as developing initial interpretations of what the data indicates is occurring in your study. In Week Five, you continue your analysis and learn about the synergistic approach that action research can have on your leadership skills and the organization in which you have conducted your research. You have conducted a constructive investigation of a previously identified problem or area needing improvement, by directly implementing an intervention or innovation. As the researcher you have experienced the process of action research through purposeful planning, intervention, data collection, and early data analysis. An equally important stage of the action research cycle involves sharing the process and what was learned with appropriate stakeholders. Week Five provides an avenue to do just that! As indicated below, this week we focus on the fifth phase of the Action Research cycle, Data Analysis and Interpretation.

1. Research Proposal
2. Implementation and Data Collection
3. Data Collection and Initial Data Analysis
4. Data Collection and Apply Changes
5. Data Analysis and Interpretation
6. Share Process and Results

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EDU675: CHANGE LEADERSHIP FOR THE DIFFERENTIATED EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT

Instructor Guidance

Week 5

Introduction

Last week you structured your data and developed preliminary ideas regarding the data collected. This week you will create a matrix, graph, diagram, or chart using your choice of software in order to visually present your data to your classmates.

In preparation for the final paper, the following questions should be considered: What are your conclusions? What themes have emerged from your study? How does it relate to your professional situation? Do your findings reflect what others have found out? Has your study generated evidence, which contradicts the outcomes of studies carried out by others?

Your literature review that you completed in EDU671 may be an excellent reference for these questions. The goal in action research is to generalize the findings in order to answer the research question you have developed.

The learning outcomes for Week Five are aligned with the specific assignments for the week on our Week Five Unit page. This information can be located on the Week Five overview page, which is the first page seen when the name of unit in the navigation menu for the course is selected.

Week Five Overview

This week you will continue your analysis and will learn more about the synergistic approach that action research can have on your leadership skills and the organization in which you have conducted your research.

Week Five Elaboration

Referencing again our action research cycle, you will see that we are now in Week Five, “Analyze Data.” The process of collecting data is now complete. Determining its relevance and meaning to our research question is the topic at hand. Next week, we will begin the process of formally presenting our findings in its entirety in a scholarly written submission.

Figure 6: EDU675 Action Research Cycle, Week 5 Focus
Data Analysis

Data analysis means that you are making sense of the information you have collected. It is your attempt to fully and accurately summarize the data that have been collected. A good question to ask you in this process is “What can I learn from this data?” What story do you see emerging from the data?

During Week Three, you uncovered the main themes and patterns that were beginning to emerge. Week Four you identified preliminary ideas of the patterns and themes that emerged. Week Five provides the opportunity to use that information to continue to inform your thinking while making sense of these results in order to reveal new understandings and change for your practice and organization. This activity calls for you to focus on the existing problem in order to attempt to understand it in light of the data you have collected.

Organizing this information is a key part of uncovering the meaning. During the past weeks you may have collected qualitative and quantitative data including interviews, journal entries, questionnaires, observation notes, test scores, or surveys. Triangulating these multiple data sources will support the validity of your research.

Summarizing this information in a meaningful and accurate manner is what this process is all about. Remember, the goal is to determine the implication of the data. Answering the question “What Does it Mean?” will be a helpful lens through which to consider your findings. During the past weeks in this course you will have gathered a variety of data through your observations and intervention. Your goal is to answer your research question(s) and determine the implications of your intervention and data.

Interpretation

This phase of your work in EDU675 has you determining if your research question has been answered. Drawing conclusions, making inferences, and reporting implications about the research are part of the interpretation of the data.

The data that has been collected cannot stand-alone. It is in the meaning that we make of the information that is important. Using the literature you reviewed in EDU671 as well as the research questions you developed is a good guideline for the interpretation of the findings. Often research results will yield new ideas about program refinement, teaching strategies, or leadership capacities. Your research should provide you with clarity on the original problem or area needing change or improvement, allowing you to consider what next steps to take to make change. Sharing this information through the final project will be an effective way to further understand the problem and how to act on your findings.

Week Five Assessment Summary

During Week Five you will have two discussion forums in which you will participate.

Discussion 1: School Leaders – Engage

After reviewing two opposing and somewhat controversial scholarly research articles regarding the opposing viewpoints of the validity of action research as a viable methodology, you will explain how action research will benefit your organization. Using the arguments posed in the articles, you will explain how action research will benefit your setting/organization by granting others the abilities to identify and solve their own problems. Responding to your peers, you are asked to ask questions about their experiences and the benefits of their action research intervention.

Discussion 2: Data Analysis and Early Feedback

In preparation for the final paper, you will post your data analysis in a specified format in a visual representation (chart, diagram or other) as well as the conclusions of your data analysis. Providing information regarding how the strategies used in the action research will be discussed as well. Reviewing the assignment rubric prior to submitting your paper will help to ensure you are meeting each the set criteria

References

Taylor, C., Wilkie, M., & Baser, J. (2006). Doing action research: A guide for school support staff. London: Paul Chapman.