Course Title: Action Research for School Improvement
Course Duration: 12 weeks
Delivery Mode: Online/Virtual Learning
Course Description:
“Action Research for School Improvement” is an engaging and interactive virtual course designed to equip educators, administrators, and educational leaders with the knowledge and skills to implement action research in their schools. This course provides a flexible and accessible platform for participants to explore the principles and practices of action research, enabling them to address and resolve real-world challenges within their educational environments.
Participants will engage in a collaborative online learning community, where they will identify areas for improvement, design and implement research-driven interventions, and assess the impact on student outcomes and school performance. The course emphasizes reflective practice, data-driven decision-making, and the use of technology to support research and collaboration.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Grasp the fundamentals of action research and its virtual application in educational settings.
Identify and articulate areas for improvement within their school or educational context.
Design and implement a virtual action research project that addresses specific issues or challenges.
Collect, analyze, and interpret data using online tools and platforms.
Engage in reflective practice to evaluate the impact of action research on student learning and school improvement.
Collaborate with peers and stakeholders in a virtual environment to share findings and develop strategies for sustained improvement.
Develop and present a comprehensive virtual action research report.
Course Structure:
The course is structured into three key phases, delivered through a mix of synchronous and asynchronous activities:
Introduction to Action Research (Weeks 1-4):
Virtual overview of action research methodology
Identifying researchable problems in education
Accessing and reviewing relevant online literature and theoretical frameworks
Developing research questions and hypotheses in a virtual environment
Implementation of Action Research (Weeks 5-8):
Designing and planning the action research project using virtual tools
Online data collection methods: digital surveys, virtual interviews, and remote observations
Implementing interventions and monitoring progress remotely
Ethical considerations in virtual educational research
Analysis, Reflection, and Reporting (Weeks 9-12):
Analyzing data and evaluating outcomes using online analysis tools
Reflecting on the research process and outcomes through virtual discussions
Writing and presenting an action research report in a digital format
Sharing findings and developing improvement plans via virtual platforms
Assessment Methods:
Virtual Action Research Proposal: 20%
Midterm Project Implementation Report (Online Submission): 30%
Final Action Research Report (Digital Presentation): 40%
Online Participation and Peer Feedback: 10%
Key Features:
Virtual Collaboration: Engage with fellow participants through discussion forums, video conferencing, and collaborative online workspaces.
Flexible Learning: Access course materials, participate in discussions, and submit assignments at your convenience.
Technology Integration: Learn to use digital tools for data collection, analysis, and virtual reporting.
Expert Guidance: Receive personalized feedback and support from the course instructor through virtual office hours and online mentoring sessions.
Target Audience:
This course is ideal for educators, school administrators, instructional coaches, and educational leaders seeking to improve teaching and learning outcomes through virtual action research. It is also suitable for graduate students in education who want to gain practical experience in conducting research in an online environment.
Course Materials:
- Access to a Learning Management System (LMS) with course content, readings, and resources
Online access to educational research journals and eBooks
Digital tools for data collection, analysis, and presentation
This virtual course provides a comprehensive and flexible opportunity for educational professionals to engage in action research that drives meaningful change in their schools, all within an accessible online format.
