Syllabus

Master of Science in Education

EDU 690 Action Research – Spring A 2024

Credits - 3

Description

In this course, students will explore action research within their own work setting. Students will formulate a problem statement, conduct a literature review, design a study, and identify which data to collect for the purpose of developing an action plan. Through a systematic and collaborative process, participants will utilize action research to reflect, analyze and enhance their professional practice. Students will also develop writing skills which are important for professional communication.

Materials

Mills, G. E. (2017). Action research—A guide for the teacher researcher (6th ed.). Pearson. (ISBN 10: 0-13-452303-2)

American Psychological Association. (2019). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association: The official guide to APA style (7th ed.). ISBN: 978-1433832154. E-text: 978-1433832185

Learning Objectives and Outcomes

Determine the importance and value of educators becoming action researchers
Examine the relationship between action research and traditional educational research
Explain the characteristics of action research useful in educational settings
Apply collaborative inquiry skills and engage in reflective practice
Utilize the principles of action research to define problems and identify appropriate data-driven solutions to address the problems
Clarify ethical issues involved in conducting action research.
Apply the process of action research to your own educational setting
Demonstrate the mechanics of writing a graduate-level research report
Use appropriate technology in the data collection and analysis process

Assignments

Specific instructions for each assignment can be found within the weekly modules.

Discussions

This course has eight required discussions designed to help you to synthesize the course concepts.

Week 1 Assignment: Epiphany Videos

You will be creating a Two-Part Video for assignment one. In the first video, take about two minutes to discuss your initial thoughts prior to any course exploration of Action Research. Then, once you have read and viewed the Week 1 course materials, follow up with a second video answering the question: “What do you know now that you did not know before?”

Week 1 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template

Throughout the course, you will build an Action Research Proposal, using a provided Proposal Template as a framework. Each week, components will be added, building toward the finalized Action Research Proposal, due in Week 7. In Week 1, you will make a copy of the template, draft a title for your proposal, and share the template with your instructor.

Week 2 Assignment: Action Research Plug & Play

One of the first steps in Action Research is identifying an area of focus. For this assignment, you will begin to hone in on the topic that will become your Research Problem. In this assignment, you will complete a guided template in which you will evaluate ethical principles, propose research topics, and ultimately select the one topic you will focus on in your Action Research Proposal.

Week 2 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Purpose Statement)

In week 2, you will add a paragraph describing the purpose of your research and submit it to your instructor for feedback.

Week 3 Assignment: Infographic

For this assignment, you will create an Infographic that visually demonstrates your Problem Statement, Research Questions, and Hypothesis. The goal is for you to present a visual representation of your Action Research Proposal that reflects your journey so far.

Week 3 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Problem Statement, Research Questions, and Hypothesis)

In week 3, you will draft the Problem Statement, Research Questions, and Hypothesis sections of your Action Research Proposal and submit the template to your instructor for feedback.

Week 4 Assignment: Annotated Bibliography

In week 4, you will begin to evaluate sources for your study. You will select 5 peer-reviewed articles and share how each is related to your Action Research Proposal by producing an Annotated Bibliography.

Week 5 Assignment: Literature Review

By the close of Week 5, you will formalize the analysis of your chosen resources (from Week 4’s Annotated Bibliography) in a Literature Review.

Week 5 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Literature Review and revisions)

In addition to submitting your Literature Review as a completed product to your instructor for grading, you will also copy that content into your Action Research Proposal Template. You should also begin to make any revisions based on feedback and/or new information gained from your analysis of resources. Share your Action Research Proposal Template with your instructor for feedback.

Week 6 Assignment: PowerPoint Presentation (Methodology)

In Week 6’s assignment, you will Create a PowerPoint Presentation that shares with your audience your Problem, Research Questions, and no less than three possible Methodologies to conduct your research. Close the presentation with the methodology that you selected and why that one best fits your Action Research Proposal.

Week 6 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Research Methodology/Design)

This week, your assignment is to update the content in your template, making edits as needed to the sections you completed in Weeks 1-5. Then, complete the Research Methodology/Design section, following the prompts in the document to describe your intended research methods. Share your Action Research Proposal Template with your instructor for feedback.

Week 7 Assignment: Finalized Action Research Proposal

You have been updating your Action Research Proposal Template each week throughout our journey; this week, you will add the final sections, complete all revisions, and formalize your template by adding a cover page and references in APA format. This final version should reflect careful attention to any and all feedback you received during the course and represent your best work.

Week 8 Assignment: Three-Part Video Reflection

For this final assignment, you will complete a Three-Part Video Reflection. Each part of the video will require you to respond to specific prompts: in Part 1, you will reflect on how you have changed as a result of this course; in Part 2, you will “Pitch Your Proposal,” explaining what would be necessary to carry out your proposal; in Part 3, you will consider how you can help others become research-practitioners in their current roles.

Grading Policy

Your grade in this course will be determined by the following criteria:

Grade Breakdown

Assignment	Points
Weekly Discussions (8 @ 4 points each)	32
Action Research Proposal Template: DRAFT submissions (5 @ 1 point each)	5
Week 1 Assignment: Epiphany Videos	5
Week 2 Assignment: Action Research Plug & Play	5
Week 3 Assignment: Infographic	5
Week 4 Assignment: Annotated Bibliography	5
Week 5 Assignment: Literature Review	8
Week 6 Assignment: PowerPoint Presentation (Methodology)	5
Week 7 Assignment: Finalized Action Research Proposal	25
Week 8 Assignment: Three-Part Reflection Video	5
TOTAL	100

Grade Scale

Grade	Points Grade	Point Average (GPA)
A	94 – 100%	4.00
A-	90 – 93%	3.75
B+	87 – 89%	3.50
B	84 – 86%	3.00
B-	80 – 83%	2.75
C+	77 – 79%	2.50
C	74 – 76%	2.00
C-	70 – 73%	1.75
D	64 – 69%	1.00
F	00 – 63%	0.00

Schedule

Course Dates

Week 1: Jan 17 – Jan 21
Week 2: Jan 22 – Jan 28
Week 3: Jan 29 – Feb 4
Week 4: Feb 5 – Feb 11
Week 5: Feb 12 – Feb 18
Week 6: Feb 19 – Feb 25
Week 7: Feb 26 – Mar 3
Week 8: Mar 4 – Mar 10

Week	Topic		Assignments	Assignment Due Date
Week 1	Intro to Action Research and Identifying Your Problem		Class Discussion Week 1 Assignment: Epiphany Videos Week 1 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by FRIDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 2	Ethical Practices		Class Discussion Week 2 Assignment: Action Research Plug & Play Week 2 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Purpose Statement)	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 3	Problem Statement, Research Question, and Hypothesis (with APA Refresher)		Class Discussion Week 3 Assignment: Infographic Week 3 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Problem Statement, Research Questions, and Hypothesis)	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 4		The Literature Review, Part 1	Class Discussion Week 4 Assignment: Annotated Bibliography	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 5		The Literature Review, Part 2	Class Discussion Week 5 Assignment: Literature Review Week 5 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Literature Review)	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 6		Methodology	Class Discussion Week 6 Assignment: PowerPoint Presentation (Methodology) Week 6 Assignment: Action Research Proposal Template (Research Methodology/Design; revisions as needed)	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by THURSDAY at 11:59 PM ET; peer feedback should be shared by SATURDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 7		Assembling the Action Research Proposal	Class Discussion Week 7 Assignment: Finalized Action Research Proposal	Due: Sun. at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET
Week 8		Presenting Your Action Research Proposal	Class Discussion Week 8 Assignment: Three-Part Reflection Video	Due: FRIDAY at 11:59 p.m. ET *Note: Initial discussion responses should be posted by WEDNESDAY at 11:59 PM ET

Student Resources

Online Student Support

Your Student Support Specialist is a resource for you. Please don't hesitate to contact them for assistance, including, but not limited to course planning, current problems or issues in a course, technology concerns, or personal emergencies.

Questions? Visit the Student Support Education page

UNE Libraries:

Library Access for all students: Your library login ID and password are the same as the ones you use to log into Blackboard/Brightspace.
Education Databases: https://library.une.edu/library-materials/find/research-by-subject/education/
Library Questions: Ask a librarian or phone library staff at (207) 602-2361 or (207) 221-4330.

UNE Student Academic Success Center

The Student Academic Success Center (SASC) offers a range of services to support your academic achievement, including tutoring, writing support, test prep and studying strategies, learning style consultations, and many online resources. To make an appointment for tutoring, writing support, or a learning specialist consultation, go to une.tutortrac.com. To access our online resources, including links, guides, and video tutorials, please visit:

UNE Student Academic Success Center

Information Technology Services (ITS)

ITS Contact: Toll Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673

Accommodations

Any student who would like to request, or ask any questions regarding, academic adjustments or accommodations must contact the Student Access Center at (207) 221-4438 or pcstudentaccess@une.edu. Student Access Center staff will evaluate the student's documentation and determine eligibility of accommodation(s) through the Student Access Center registration procedure.

Online Peer Support

Togetherall is a 24/7 communication and emotional support platform monitored by trained clinicians. It’s a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively, and learn how to manage your mental health. If sharing isn’t your thing, Togetherall has other tools and courses to help you look after yourself with plenty of resources to explore. Whether you’re struggling to cope, feeling low, or just need a place to talk, Togetherall can help you explore your feelings in a safe supportive environment. You can join Togetherall using your UNE email address.

Information Technology Services (ITS)

Students should notify their Student Support Specialist and instructor in the event of a problem relating to a course. This notification should occur promptly and proactively to support timely resolution.

ITS Contact: Toll-Free Help Desk 24 hours/7 days per week at 1-877-518-4673.

Career Ready Program

The College of Professional Studies supports its online students and alumni in their career journey!

The Career Ready Program provides tools and resources to help students explore and hone in on their career goals, search for jobs, create and improve professional documents, build professional network, learn interview skills, grow as a professional, and more. Come back often, at any time, as you move through your journey from career readiness as a student to career growth, satisfaction, and success as alumni.

Policies

AI Use

The Graduate Programs in Education holds the position that Grammarly and other AI writing and generative technology should not be used when completing course assignments, unless explicitly permitted by course faculty and assignment instructions. These tools do not support a student’s personal and direct capacity to develop and hone skills in creativity, logic, critical thinking, analysis, evaluation, theorization, and writing, which are central to graduate-level rigor, assessment, and research. Use of these tools when not explicitly permitted may result in an academic integrity infraction.

Turnitin Originality Check and Plagiarism Detection Tool

The College of Professional Studies uses Turnitin to help deter plagiarism and to foster the proper attribution of sources. Turnitin provides comparative reports for submitted assignments that reflect similarities in other written works. This can include, but is not limited to, previously submitted assignments, internet articles, research journals, and academic databases.

Make sure to cite your sources appropriately as well as use your own words in synthesizing information from published literature. Webinars and workshops, included early in your coursework, will help guide best practices in APA citation and academic writing.

You can learn more about Turnitin in the guide on how to navigate your Similarity Report.

Technology Requirements

Please review the technical requirements for UNE Online Graduate Programs: Technical Requirements

Course Evaluation Policy

Course surveys are one of the most important tools the University of New England uses for evaluating the quality of your education, and for providing meaningful feedback to instructors on their teaching. In order to assure that the feedback is both comprehensive and precise, we need to receive it from each student for each course. Evaluation access is distributed via UNE email at the beginning of the last week of the course.

Late Policy

Assignments: Late assignments will be accepted up to 3 days late; however, there is a 10% grade reduction (from the total points) for the late submission. After three days the assignment will not be accepted.

Discussion posts: If the initial post is submitted late, but still within the discussion board week, there will be a 10% grade reduction from the total discussion grade (e.g., a 3 point discussion will be reduced by 0.3 points). Any posts submitted after the end of the Discussion Board week will not be graded.

Please make every effort ahead of time to contact your instructor and your student support specialist if you are not able to meet an assignment deadline. Arrangements for extenuating circumstances may be considered by faculty.

Attendance Policy

8 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Sunday at 11:59 pm ET of the first week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

16 week: Students taking online graduate courses through the College of Professional Studies will be administratively dropped for non-participation if a graded assignment/discussion post is not submitted before Friday at 11:59 pm ET of the second week of the term. Reinstatement is at the purview of the Dean's Office.

Student Handbook Online - Policies and Procedures

The policies contained within this document apply to all students in the College of Professional Studies. It is each student's responsibility to know the contents of this handbook.

UNE Online Student Handbook

UNE Course Withdrawal

Please contact your student support specialist if you are considering dropping or withdrawing from a course. The last day to drop for 100% tuition refund is the 2nd day of the course. Financial Aid charges may still apply. Students using Financial Aid should contact the Financial Aid Office prior to withdrawing from a course.

Academic Integrity

The University of New England values academic integrity in all aspects of the educational experience. Academic dishonesty in any form undermines this standard and devalues the original contributions of others. It is the responsibility of all members of the University community to actively uphold the integrity of the academy; failure to act, for any reason, is not acceptable. For information about plagiarism and academic misconduct, please visit UNE Plagiarism Policies.

Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to the following:

Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
Action which destroys or alters the work of another student.
Multiple submissions of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research, materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

Charges of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by the Program Director. Penalties for students found responsible for violations may depend upon the seriousness and circumstances of the violation, the degree of premeditation involved, and/or the student’s previous record of violations. Appeal of a decision may be made to the Dean whose decision will be final. Student appeals will take place through the grievance process outlined in the student handbook.