University of Massachusetts at Boston
College of Education and Human Development
Critical & Creative Thinking Program

Action Research for Educational, Professional, and Personal Change

CrCrTh693
Spring 2012
Syllabus


Instructor: Peter Taylor, Critical & Creative Thinking Program
Email: peter.taylor@umb.edu
Phone: 617-287-7636
Office: Wheatley 2nd floor, room 157
Class meetings: Tuesdays 6.45-9.15pm
Office/phone call hours: Tuesday 3.20-4, 5.30-6.30pm [to be confirmed]; Weds 3-3.40pm by sign up (http://ptaylor.wikispaces.umb.edu/PTOfficeHours) or by arrangement
Wiki for course materials: http://crcrth693.wikispaces.umb.edu (bookmark this on the browser of each computer you use)
Private wikipage for assignment submission: crcrth693.wikispaces.umb.edu/-/693checklist/xx (where xx is your last name all lower case)

Table of Contents-sections to follow in this version of the syllabus:

Description, Preparation before taking the course, Overview, and Objectives

COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course covers techniques for and critical thinking about the evaluation of changes in educational practices and policies in schools, organizations, and informal contexts. Topics include quantitative and qualitative methods for design and analysis, participatory design of practices and policies in a framework of action research, institutional learning, the wider reception or discounting of evaluations, and selected case studies, including those arising from semester-long student projects.

POINTERS about the preparation assumed for this course (in lieu of formal prerequisites):
Through your previous courses, you should have developed the disposition of experimenting with new tools, even if not every one became part of your toolkit as a learner, teacher/facilitator of others, and/or reflective practitioner. Through courses and other personal and professional experience you should have an interest in one or more issues that you might delve into and promote change on in an Educational, Professional, or Personal area. Most importantly, you should be prepared to address the question: "If you have good ideas how do you get others to adopt and/or adapt them?" (For CCT students, this course is best taken after Processes of Research and Engagement, but this sequence is not mandatory.)

OVERVIEW: The preceding question captures the central motivation for the course in the CCT curriculum. This question can also be expressed as: "How do you build a constituency around your idea? This concern can lead you into evaluating how good the ideas actually are (with respect to some defined objectives) so you can demonstrate this to others. It can also lead you to work with others to develop the idea so it becomes theirs as well and thus something they're invested in. Action Research, in the "Cycles & Epicycles" framework taught in this course, involves group facilitation, participatory planning, and reflective practice, as well as systematic evaluation. Students from a variety of programs should find this course a suitable vehicle to enhance your interests in educational, professional, or personal change.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: By the end of the semester, you will have: ACCOMMODATIONS: Sections 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 offer guidelines for curriculum modifications and adaptations for students with documented disabilities. If applicable, students may obtain adaptation recommendations from the Ross Center (287-7430). The student must present these recommendations to each professor within a reasonable period, preferably by the end of the Drop/Add period.

Students are advised to retain a copy of this syllabus in personal files for use when applying for certification, licensure, or transfer credit.
This syllabus is subject to change, but workload expectations will not be increased after the semester starts. (Version 21 Jan. 2012; changes after the start of the semester are marked in blue)

TEXTS and MATERIALS

Required: Calhoun, E. F. (1994). How to Use Action Research in the Self-Renewing School. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Schmuck, R. (either 1997 or 2006). Practical Action Research for Change. Arlington Heights, IL: Skylight. (Used copies of old editions may be available via amazon.com)
Taylor, P. and J. Szteiter (2012) Taking Yourself Seriously: Processes of Research and Engagement Arlington, MA: The Pumping Station

Recommended to help with writing: Daniel, D., C. Fauske, P. Galeno and D. Mael (2001). Take Charge of Your Writing: Discovering Writing Through Self-Assessment. Boston: Houghton Mifflin ("new" copies available well below list price on amazon.com)
(See also Conlin; Elbow; Kanar; Perelman, et al.)

Recommended if you are interested in facilitating group process: Schuman, S., Ed. (2006). Creating a Culture of Collaboration: The International Association of Facilitators Handbook. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass.
Readings for the course consist primarily of individual articles and book chapters, most of which can be downloaded from Wiki for course materials, http://crcrth693.wikispaces.umb.edu/Biblio [password-protected page])

REQUIREMENTS

Your 693checklist wikipage (also viewable via http://crcrth693.wikispaces.umb.edu/693checklist) and links to it provide Notes on the assignments and Examples of previous students' assignments. The Notes link, in turn, to more detailed guidesheets on using the tools, including templates where relevant. These guidesheets duplicate pages in the text, Taking Yourself Seriously so you may choose to refer to the printed text instead of reading these guidesheets online. If you do work online, be prepared to click through to the notes and read the guidesheets before getting to the to-do part of any assignment.

Written A. Action Research written assignments and work-in-progress presentations (2/3 of grade)

Project = Design and report on (1500-2500 words) an Action Research Process related to an action or intervention in a specific classroom, workplace or personal teaching/learning practice, an educational policy, an educational institution, or a social policy. Your design should include all the aspects of the Action Research Cycles and Epicycles, including: Carrying out the design is applauded, but not required. If you carry out the design (or some of it), you should report on what you have actually done and how you would proceed differently if you were to do it over. It is important that you do not let implementing your action/intervention eclipse attention to designing the other aspects of the Action Research.
The project is developed through a sequence of assignments:

Participation and contribution to the class process (1/3 of grade)

B. Building learning community through prepared participation and attendance at class meetings(=13 items) and B2. "syllabus quiz" submitted in session 2 and B3. Weekly buddy check-ins (see D1, below) (=3 items for 12 check-ins).
C. Summaries of readings for sessions 9, 10, and 12 posted on session wikipage (=3 items)
D. Personal/Professional Development (PD) Workbook compiled throughout the semester (7 items), including: E. Minimum of two in-office or phone conferences on your assignments, PD workbook, personal wikipage, and project -- one before session 6; the other by session 10 (=2 items)
F. Peer commentary on your buddy's work in each 4-week period and on another student's draft report (with copy posted on peer share wiki) (=4 items)

Students should aim for all writing and presentation assignments submitted on the due date and 5 OK/RNR (=OK/ Reflection-revision-resubmission Not Requested), including the complete report, as well as 27 participation items fulfilled.
If you reach or exceed this amount, you get 80 points (which gives you an automatic B+) and the following rubric is used to add further points. If you don't reach the automatic B+ level, your points = 10 for each writing assignment (or presentation) that is marked OK/RNR + 3 for each other writing assignment initially submitted by the due date + 1 for each participation item fulfilled up to a maximum of 80.

Overall course points are converted to letter grades as follows: The minimum grade for A is 95 points, for A- is 87.5, for B+ is 80, for B is 72.5; for B- is 65; for C+ is 57.5; and for C is 50.
(In theory it is possible for a student to earn 104 points, but this would still be awarded an A.)

Plagiarism: Using another person's ideas or material you did not write without citing the source is plagiarism and is unacceptable (see library guide and Academic Honesty policies).

SCHEDULE OF SESSIONS

Session 1 (1/24) Introduction to Action Research Cycles and Epicycles, I
Preparation:
Purchase course texts
View video introduction
Review instructor's portfolio and past evaluations for the course
Begin to get set up technologically
Session:
The framework of Action Research Cycles and Epicycles is introduced through a compressed example performed by the class members during this session (following this guidesheet).
Critical Incident Questionnaire
Follow-up:
Read and make notes on the Action Research Cycles and Epicycles framework, which you will need to revisit several times over the course of the semester to appreciate fully.
Set up tasks, a.k.a. "Syllabus quiz"
Sign up for buddy for each of the 4-week periods
Buddy check-in before session 2 should involve peer assistance in items on the Syllabus Quiz, especially getting set-up technologically, finding your way around the course materials, and articulating questions to get the help you need.
Set up your PD workbook.
Sign up for first conference (to which you should bring your PD workbook). If you need help, post questions on session wikipage or send to the instructor. In particular, don't spend more than about 5 minutes confused by the wiki.
Look ahead to what preparation is needed for the next session.
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
---------------
Session 2 (1/31) Introduction to Action Research Cycles and Epicycles, II
Preparation:
Read Schmuck, 1997, p. vii-29; 2006, p. ix-29. Think about the relationship between his systematic treatment of the topic and your experience in session 1.
Read final projects by Alison Palmucci and one other alum of the course: Jan Coe, Alyssa Hinkell, Marie Levey-Pabst, John Quirk
Session:
Feedback on Critical Incident Questionnaire I
Questions on Syllabus, course mechanics, uploading assignments to wikis and other technological competencies
Use AR cycles & epicycles framework and guidesheet to: Focused Conversation on Action Research experience to date (handout)
Follow-up:
Reading on Focused Conversations: Stanfield, 6-29; (optional) Nelson, ..Focused Conversation for Schools
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
B2. Syllabus quiz (uploaded to your 693checklist wikipage)
---------------
Session 3 (2/7) Strategic Personal Planning,
applied to initial formulation of a course action research design project so it incorporates your wider personal and life concerns (and thus recruits you firmly into your constituency)
Preparation:
Read Spencer, chaps. 5 & 7, Weissglass, "Constructivist Listening,"
Review Project reports from previous semesters (via wikipage)
For a preview of clustering and naming of clusters (which is part of Strategic planning), peruse vision charts from the course as a whole.
Session:
Supportive Listening (a variant of constructivist listening) on one's hopes/fears/ideas/questions re: educational, professional, and/or personal change
Strategic personal planning workshop (about the educational/organizational/personal change you want to facilitate/promote)
In-Session drafting of initial description of AR design project
Follow-up:
(for those interested in Strategic Participatory Planning, of which Strategic Personal Planning is a variant) Materials from ICA Facilitators Manual, CEDAC, Our Economy, Taylor, "Epilogue," 204-210, Schmuck on "cooperative" action research
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A1: 1st Reflection on your Experience as Novice Action Researchers in relation to the Considered Formulations from Other Sources (in ths case, the prescribed readings so far from Schmuck)
---------------
Session 4 (2/14) Examining the background and evaluations of previous actions before pressing forward,
using tools and interactions with others to open up problems and focus in on needed inquiry
Preparation:
Read Entin, "Reflective Practitioner," Greenwald, "Learning from Problems."
Session:
Use of KAQ framework.

Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A2: Initial Paragraph Overview of Project (revised in response to instructor's comments by email on in-Session draft)
---------------
No session 2/21
---------------
Session 5 (2/28) Formulating informative comparisons as a basis for evaluations, I
Preparation:
Arrange new buddy for the next 4-week period
Read Goode Clipping on the effects of a smoking ban; Overview of relationship of evaluation to facilitation of change; Guide to the Evaluation clock
Session:
Use the Comparison steps (2-4) of the evaluation clock to Follow-up:
Re-read guide to the Evaluation clock
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A3: KAQ assignment
---------------
Session 6 (3/6) Formulating informative comparisons as a basis for evaluations, II
Preparation:
Topic for buddy check-in: Using the comparison steps (2-4) in the evaluation clock to design evaluation as part of your project (Asmt. 4a)
Session:
Introduction to statistical formulations of comparisons and background assumptions
Peer coaching on Evaluation clock assignment and its extension to students' Projects, wiki use, KAQ, and PD workbooks.
Follow-up:
Schedule second conference by session 10 to discuss your projects and use of evaluation clock
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A4a. Use the comparison steps (2-4) in the evaluation clock to design evaluation as part of your project
*A* E1. First conference must be completed before session 6 to discuss your Action Research ideas, the course thus far, and your PD workbook (bring to conference)
*A* D2. Submit worksheet on PD workbook and research organization
---------------
No session 3/13
---------------
Session 7 (3/20) Work-in-progress presentations, I
Preparation:
Work-in-progress Presentation I on Project; post working title on wikipage
Session:
Work-in-progress Presentation I on Project
Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A5a, initial: Work-in-progress Presentation I on Project and A5b. Notes on Research and Planning for Student Projects
---------------
Session 8 (3/27) Reflection on your Experience as Novice Action Researchers with the Considered Formulations from Other Sources, I
Preparation:
Read Schmuck, pages 29-146, Calhoun, How to Use Action Research (especially chapters 1-3), Weiss, chapter 1, and (optional) Weiss, chapters 2 &4.
Preview Small group work roles.
Session:
Video on work in heterogeneous groups.
Small group work on two activities: a) guidelines for small group work with adults and b) comparison of Cycles and Epicycles with Calhoun's frameworks for Action Research
Critical Incident Questionnaire II on course to date
Follow-up:
Post on session wikipageyour guidelines from session activity a) and comparison from activity b).
(optional) Read other accounts of Action Research: Madison Metropolitan School District, "Classroom action research," Spina, "Six key principles," Winter, Learning from Experience
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A4b due: Use the full evaluation clock to design the evaluation part of your project.
---------------
Session 9 (4/3) Reflection on your Experience as Novice Action Researchers with the Considered Formulations from Other Sources, II
Preparation:
Arrange new buddy for the next 4-week period
Read at least three from Hitchcock & Hughes, Chap. 3, "Access, ethics, and objectivity," Chapter 5, "Designing, planning and evaluating Research"; Greenwood & Levin, Chaps. 8 & 11, "Action research cases," & "Action science and organizational learning"; Rokovich, et al., "Implementing change"; Jenkins, "Action learning"; CEDAC, Our Economy; Greenwald, Learning from problems, Madison Metropolitan School District, "Classroom action research" (and linked pages), Penuel et al, , " Organizing Research and Development," study of CIT
Session:
Feedback on Critical Incident Questionnaire II
Dialogue Process session on engagement and ethics in Action Research
Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
Nothing (so catch up on any overdue submissions)
---------------
Session 10 (4/10) Influences of Political Context on Evaluation and Educational Research
Although it is not expected that your projects tackle the larger political context of making changes in education (broadly construed) or draw on sophisticated theories about evaluation and educational change, this Session put these areas on your maps.
Preparation:
Read at least one of:
Woodhead, "When psychology," Hunt, "The dilemma," Metcalf, "Reading between the lines." Muir, "Science rules OK," Rokovich, San Jose School District
Session:
"Jigsaw" digestion and discussion of readings
Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A6: Narrative Outline for Project Report
---------------
No session 4/17
---------------
Session 11 (4/24) Work-in-progress presentations, II (taking into account comments on previous presentation & notes on research & planning)
Preparation:
Work-in-progress presentation (taking into account comments on previous presentation & notes on research & planning); post revised title on wikipage
Session:
Work-in-progress presentations
Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt A5, updated: Work-in-progress Presentation II on Project
---------------
Session 12 (5/1) Generating politics from below in relation to Educational and Action Research
Preparation:
Read at least two of:
Carr & Kemmis, Becoming Critical, CEDAC, Our Economy, Couto, " The promise," Greenwood, "Action science and organizational learning," Taylor, "Epilogue," McLeod, et al., "Changing how we work," Senge et al., "Fostering communities"
Session:
Video segment on Myles Horton and the Highlander Center, a longterm source of educational and social change, followed by reflective exercise.
Dialogue Process session on participatory action research and theory in relation to action (incl. reflective practice)
Follow-up:
Look ahead to what work is due in the next session.
Work due this session:
*A* Asmt. A7: Complete Draft of Design Project (on peer share wikipage as well as your 693checklist wikipage)
---------------
Session 13 (5/8) Taking stock of course & of change: Where have we come & where do we go from here?
Preparation:
Read Cashin, "Student ratings of teaching"
Review samples from previous years)
Read (selections TBA and optional): Stanfield, Courage to Learn, Stanfield, The Workshop Book, Tuecke, "Creating a wall of wonder,"
Session:
Selected taking stock activity, either Historical Scan (aka Wall of Wonder) or Process Review or Practical Vision of Future Personal and Professional Development (TBA)
Evaluation that starts with a self-evaluation (to be administered by survey gizmo).
College of Ed. course evaluation
Follow-up:
Review previous semesters' evaluations
Work due this session:
*A* D3. PD workbook brought to session (hard copy or on wiki) for perusal, including D5. Process review. *A* F. Make comments on draft design project of another student (not necessarily your buddy); upload comments back to the peershare wikipage and email the author that you have done so.
---------------
One week after session 13
Work due:
*A* Asmt. A7 revised: Final Project report

BIBLIOGRAPHY

(readings [except those marked not PPR] online using Wiki for course materials, http://crcrth693.wikispaces.umb.edu/Biblio [password-protected page])
# indicates additional texts on evaluation, action research, or facilitating group process (to be borrowed from the library, interlibrary loan, or instructor).
## indicates useful readings to help in writing and revising.

Backer, T., J. Chang, A. Crawford, T. Ferraguto, D. Tioseco and N. Woodson (2002). "Case study and analysis: The Center for the Improvement of Teaching, University of Massachusetts, Boston."
Brookfield, S. D. (1995). Becoming a Critically Reflective Teacher. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers # (not PPR)
Calhoun, E. F. (1994). How to Use Action Research in the Self-Renewing School. Alexandria, VA: ASCD. (not PPR)
Carr, W. and S. Kemmis (1986). Becoming Critical: Education, Knowledge and Action Research. Geelong: Deakin University Press., chapters 6 & 7 (up to p. 200)
Cashin, W. E. (1995) "Student Ratings of Teaching: The Research Revisited." IDEA Paper No. 32
CEDAC (Community Economic Development Advisory Committee) (1995). Our Economy: Our Future, Final Report. York, Ontario: City of York.
Conlin, M. L. (2002). "The basics of writing: Process and strategies," in Patterns Plus: A Short Prose Reader with Argumentation. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1-11. ##
Couto, R. A. (2001). "The promise of a scholarship of engagement." The Academic Workplace 12(2): 4, 6; http://www.nerche.org/images/stories/publications/The_Academic_Workplace_-_Vol._12_No._2_Spring_2001.pdf (viewed 8 July '10)
Daniel, D., C. Fauske, P. Galeno and D. Mael (2001). Take Charge of Your Writing: Discovering Writing Through Self-Assessment. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.## (not PPR)
Elbow, P. (1981). Writing with Power. New York: Oxford Univ. Press ## (not PPR)
Entin, D. (2001). "Review of The Reflective Practitioner: How Professionals Think in Action." The Academic Workplace 12(2): 13, 18; http://www.nerche.org/images/stories/publications/The_Academic_Workplace_-_Vol._12_No._2_Spring_2001.pdf (viewed 8 July '10)
Greenwald, N. (2000). "Learning from Problems." The Science Teacher 67(April): 28-32.
Greenwald, N. (2000). Science in Progress: Challenges in Problem-based Learning for Secondary Schools # (not PPR)
Greenwood, D. J. and M. Levin (1998). Introduction To Action Research: Social Research For Social Change. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (pp. 187-202 on PPR)
Hitchcock, G. and D. Hughes (1995). Research and the Teacher: A Qualitative Introduction to School-based Research. New York: Routledge.(pp. 39-58 on PPR; pp. 77-112 on PPR)
Hunt, M. (1985). "The dilemma in the classroom: A cross-sectional survey measures the effects of segregated schooling," in Profiles of Social Research: The Scientific Study of Human Interactions. New York: Russell Sage,51-97.
Institute of Cultural Affairs, n.d., Facilitators Manual (excerpts on Strategic Participatory Planning). Toronto: Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs.
Isaacs W. (1999) Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together. New York: Currency.# (not PPR)
Jenkins, M. (2000). "Action learning: Taking the time it takes." Paper presented to the International Association of Facilitators, Toronto, April 27 2000.
Kanar, C. (2002). "Improving your paragraph skills," in The Confident Writer. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 60-88.##
Madison Metropolitan School District (2001). "Classroom action research." http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carhomepage.html viewed 8 July '10
Madison Metropolitan School District (2001). "Classroom action research starting points." http://oldweb.madison.k12.wi.us/sod/car/carstartingpoints.html viewed 8 July '10
McLeod, M., P. Senge and M. Wheatley (2001). "Changing how we work." Shambhala Sun(January): 29-33.
Metcalf, S. (2002). "Reading between the lines." The Nation(Jan. 28): 18-22.
Muir, Hazel. 2008. Science rules OK: Running societies the rational way. New Scientist (24 May):40-43.
Nelson, J. (2001). The Art of Focused Conversation for Schools. Toronto: Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs. # (not PPR)
Penuel, W. R., B. J. Fishman, et al. (2011). "Organizing Research and Development at the Intersection of Learning, Implementation, and Design ." Educational Researcher 40(7): 331-337.
Perelman, L., J. Paradis, E. Barrett (n.d.) The Mayfield Handbook of Technical and Scientific Writing. http://www.mhhe.com/mayfieldpub/tsw/toc.htm##
Pietro, D. S. (Ed.) (1983). Evaluation Sourcebook. New York: American Council of Voluntary Agencies for Foreign Service. # (not PPR)
Rokovich, M. A., M. Stevens and J. Stallman (2000). "Implementing change at SJUSD: An unfinished case study." Presented to the International Association of Facilitators, Toronto, April 27 2000.
Schmuck, R. (1997). Practical Action Research for Change. Arlington Heights, IL: Skylight. (not PPR)
Schuman, S., Ed. (2006). Creating a Culture of Collaboration: The International Association of Facilitators Handbook. San Francisco, Jossey-Bass (on reserve, plus excerpts PPR)
Schwab, M. G. (1989?) Participatory Research with Third Graders: An Exploratory Study of School Lunch.
Senge, P., N. Cambron-McCabe, T. Lucas, B. Smith, J. Dutton and A. Kleiner (2000). "Fostering communities that learn," in Schools That Learn. New York: Currency,459-465.
Spencer, L. J. (1989). Winning Through Participation. Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt (Ch. 5; chap. 7)
Spina, S. U. (2002). "Six key principles of action research."
Stanfield, B. (Ed.) (1997). The Art of Focused Conversation. Toronto: Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs. (pp. 6-29; pp.30-37
Stanfield, B. (2000). The Courage To Lead: Transform Self, Transform Society. Gabriola Island BC: New Society Publishers. # (not PPR)
Stanfield, B. (2002). The Workshop Book: From Individual Creativity to Group Action. Toronto: Canadian Institute of Cultural Affairs.# (not PPR)
Stark, J. S. and A. Thomas (Eds.) (1994). Assessment and Program Evaluation. Needham Heights, MA: Simon & Schuster. (#, in Healey stacks)
Taylor, P. J. (2005). "Epilogue," in Unruly Complexity: Ecology, Interpretation, Engagement. Chicago, University of Chicago Press: 203-213.
Taylor, P. and J. Szteiter (2011) Taking Yourself Seriously: Processes of Research and Engagement Arlington, MA: The Pumping Station
Tuecke, P. (2000). "Creating a wall of wonder with the TOP environmental scan." International Association of Facilitators, Toronto, Canada, April 27 - 30 (iaf-world.org/iaf2000/Tuecke.PDF).
Turabian, K. L. (1996). A Manual For Writers of Term papers, Theses, and Disertations. Chicago: Univ. of Chicago Press (not PPR; in Healey reference section)##
Weiss, C. H. (1998). Evaluation. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.# (not PPR)
Weissglass, J. (1990). "Constructivist listening for empowerment and change." The Educational Forum 54(4): 351-370. (PPR)
Winter, R. (1989). Learning from Experience: Principles and Practice in Action Research London: Falmer.# (not PPR)
Woodhead, M. (1988). "When psychology informs public policy." American Psychologist 43(6): 443-454.