On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!

Now that I have finished putting together my action research plan, it's time for the scary part...implementation!

I am a little nervous about this process.  There seems to be so much to do behind the scenes before the research actually takes place.  Not only am I learning about the action research process, I am also learning about the flipped classroom model.  I have done some research in this area; however, new ideas and practices are always a challenge to initially implement.  I have to remind myself to remain open-minded and flexible.  While I am eager to “get the ball rolling,” I am also anxious about student and parent buy-in.  Hopefully, with good communication, all parties will be supportive.

I have great support from my site supervisor!  I have no doubt he will offer suggestions along the way and guide me in the right direction when I’m confronted with confusion. 

Challenges, Challenges...

I can foresee several challenges as I reflect upon the components of my action research plan.  The issue of technology is at the forefront.  Most of my students have some sort of electronic device they can use at school on the school’s network.  Our school promotes BYOD - bring your own device!  However, when the students get home, some won’t have Internet access.  One way to address this specific challenge would be to provide DVDs for the students to watch at home.  Another solution might be to promote the extra library hours at our high school so the students could access the network there.

A second area of concern is time.  As I begin this endeavor, I am starting from scratch in terms of videos to post.  The time and organization it takes to complete this task worries me a bit.  An answer to this challenge might be to utilize already created videos from web sources, you tube, and other video sharing sites.  The key is to find quality videos.  However; with each video I make, I will be able to archive it for use next year.

A final concern is student and parent buy-in.  With any change, there will always be skepticism and concern.  I worry the students won’t participate fully and then fall way behind in the following day’s collaboration and discussions.  I worry the parents won’t see with “the end in mind.”  For students who haven’t watched the videos…I will have two computers in the class that will allow them to view the missed videos.  Since class time has been used to watch the video, students have now missed out of the “tutorial/discussion time” where the teacher walks around and helps students.  These students will have to follow the traditional model and complete their assignments at home that day.  To work through these challenges, I feel consistent, clear communication will go a long way when introducing something new.  Educating the students and parents prior to implementation will go a long way.  

Action Research Plan...finally!

Hanselka - Action Research Plan
Goal:  How will the implementation of the flipped classroom model increase student achievement and understanding of course content in a seventh grade ELA class at La Vernia Junior High?  Will the flipped classroom model contribute to a higher percentage of students achieving commended status on the state assessment?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Step 1: Read literature and obtain information on the flipped classroom model.	Brandi Hanselka	September, 2013	Flip Your Classroom by Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams; Internet sites relating to the flipped classroom model	Gain information on how to implement the flipped classroom model to one ELA class.
Step 2: Obtain 2012-2013 individual performance data from the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR).	Brandi Hanselka	September, 2013	2012-2013 STAAR data; Eduphoria	Analyze data to identify specific performance weaknesses; Analyze data to identify participants who did/did not achieve commended performance
Step 3: Record lecture/lesson and post on Google site or edmodo.	Brandi Hanselka	October, 2013 - April 2014	Video camera Online software Google site Edmodo account	Analyze student participation in viewing of videos
Step 4: Implement the flipped classroom model for one ELA class.	Brandi Hanselka	October, 2013 - April 2014	Videos, class time for student-student and student-teacher interaction for clarification and discussion	Analyze participants’ posts/ comments, questions, concerns regarding video lesson in preparation for next day’s student-students and student-teacher interaction
Step 5: Survey students’ opinions/ experiences with the flipped classroom model.	Brandi Hanselka	December, 2013 April, 2014	Electronic survey with Google forms	Evaluate responses to “tweak” flipped model process(es); evaluate responses to determine success/ effectiveness of model
Step 6: Evaluate student performance involving class participation and assessments with flipped model participants.	Brandi Hanselka	October, 2013 - April 2014	Classroom observations; classroom assessment data; Eduphoria; written responses	Analyze objective and subjective data; evaluate depth and complexity is written responses demonstrating understanding of course content
Step 7: Evaluate student performance involving class participation and assessments with traditionally instructed group	Brandi Hanselka	October, 2013 - April 2014	Classroom observations; classroom assessment data; Eduphoria; written responses	Analyze objective and subjective data; evaluate depth and complexity is written responses demonstrating understanding of course content
Step 8: Obtain 2013-2014 STAAR individual student performance data	Brandi Hanselka Dana Grubb	May 2014 - June 2014	2013-2014 STAAR data; Eduphoria	Analyze data to identify student performance levels documenting any growth, regression, or static results; Analyze data to identify participants who did/did not achieve commended performance
Step 9: Report findings based on analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data and share with site supervisor and (with approval) staff.	Brandi Hanselka	July 2014 - August 2014	Computer; research documentation	I will share my findings and results with my site supervisor.  With approval and guidance, I will share my results with the ELA department and other staff.
Step 10: Reflect upon the benefits and challenges of the flipped classroom model.	Brandi Hanselka Bill Mikeska (site supervisor)	August 2014	Student surveys (April 2014); observation data; STAAR assessment data	What are the benefits, challenges, and successes of integrating the flipped classroom model?  What areas of improvement are necessary to ensure more success in the future?

Lessons Learned in Week 2

Practicality...one of the most important lessons I have learned this week!  I appreciated Dr. Lewis's comments and suggestions to go with the practical when conducting research.  I have been going over and over possible research topics in my mind:  what sounds good? what looks good?  The bottom line is to conduct research that will increase student performance and benefit the students in my current environment.  This research selection will be more interesting to me, and I am fully focused on the outcome when my students and my course are involved.

I admire Dr. Lewis's honesty and suggestion to go with the practical when conducting research!


  

Action Research

What I have learned about action research and how I might be able to use it...

Action research encompasses a great deal of time commitment that has beneficial outcomes in the lives of educators.  The investment of this time has an extraordinary payoff.  Through this inquiry, educators can greatly impact student achievement and school improvement.  This framework allows the educator to reflect on an issue or concern himself, rather than have an outside researcher dictate which professional development strategy would be most effective.  The educator takes an active role in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around his area of concern.  Educators also play a part in the research process, which will make the educator more likely to implement the change needed based on the knowledge that is generated.  Dana (2009) notes Elliot’s description of action research as a “continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action.”  This set of cyclical actions will contribute to the on-going self-assessment and evaluation to better the teaching  and leadership styles of the educator.

I find that I could use action research collaboratively within our campus leadership teams.  Dana (2009) refers to (Senge, 1990) describing team learning as “vital because teams, not individuals, are the fundamental learning unit in modern organizations.”  As a team we could decide on an area of concern and implement action research to contribute to school improvement.  Reflecting every minute of the way, we will collect and analyze data,  develop a deeper understanding, explore patterns, and develop a plan of action.  This ongoing inquiry and reflection can serve as a tool for achieving student achievement and school improvement.

How educational leaders might use blogs...

Blogs are a great way for educational leaders to communicate with parents, students, faculty, and staff.  Keeping the lines of communication open is an area of concern on many campuses.  Blogs would allow for involved parties to stay informed on school happenings, updated on current issues/studies, etc.

Blogs also allow for continued online collaboration with colleagues.  Many people are loaded with so many responsibilities in and out of the workplace; a blog would be the perfect answer for the sharing of information.