ED 690
 

Details for Week 7 (section II)
Agenda

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Tonight we're on to two other methods for collecting data: observations and action plans. (Note: Unless indicated otherwise, all the links in this week's Agenda open as HTML pages.)

Note: You only need to read the material in the links titled "handout" and "slides" below. You can just scan the material in the remainder of the links.

OBSERVATIONS: Prior to class, you'll want to review both the handout and the slides we've prepared (be sure to view the NOTES associated with them); these documents cover observation planning and conduct, as well as instrument development.

We'll focus on the complexities of observations conducted in various settings ... and we'll look at some useful strategies for automating the process.

What might be some challenges in observing a) use of the SMART classrooms, b) the many different sections of EdTec 470 or training provided by the BATS?


Ever thought about the level of effort involved in "observing" a class (example: EdTec 540) delivered online ... but not necessarily self-paced?

And what would you do if you were asked to find instances of socialization in videotapes that feature home schooling vignettes?

Then ... We'll also look at the challenges of data analyses ... and ways to build tools that capture both quantitative and qualitative information.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
ACTION PLANS: (Optional material)

Action planning is a participative, reflective strategy; it can be an intervention or treatment ... or it can be a process for uncovering how an intervention or treatment is affecting study subjects.

Consider how accreditation, credentializing, certification, and licensure might further professionalize the research process (basic, applied, or evaluation). In that vein, take a few minutes to browse both the NCATE and WASC websites. As part of your review, think about the standards each association promotes ... and how action planning might help an educational organization (program, college/school/division, university) attain them.

Now ... for some resources:

First: Download/view a sample action plan directed to Site Coordinators involvement inTriton/Patterns (both, grants funded by the Dept. of Education/Technology Challenge Initiative).

Then: See how different organizations define/use action planning.
 
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Self-Assessment and Action Planning: Using the Baldrige Organizational Profile for Business
http://patapsco.nist.gov/eBaldrige/Business_Profile.cfm

Management Assistant Program (for nonprofits)
Basics of Action Planning (as part of strategic planning)
http://www.mapnp.org/library/plan_dec/str_plan/actions.htm

Maine Mathematics and Science Teaching Excellence Collaborative (MMSTEC)
http://www.umeedu.maine.edu/coehd/mmstec/plans.html