This was a (kind of) Ignite style presentation we presented at the wrap up event for the VOICE project in Lakeshore School Division. Held in June 2017.
7. action research cycle
(Kirk & Nantais, 2014)
Plan
• Problem
• Research Questions
• Indicators
• Data Sources
Action
• Intervention
• Data collection
• ObservationReflection
Analysis
Analysis
Informed
Action
Revised
Plan
Reflection
1
15. So, what did we learn?
Just for starters …
Action research can help enable positive change
We refined our own approach to support projects each year
based on what we learned
Leadership at all levels is important to change
Dynamic and caring educators who are willing to take risks
are important for positive change
An environment of trust, with the ability to take risks is a vital
piece of the puzzle .. as is the opportunity to share your
work!
(M)
We started by attending a RI-LS meeting in May/june? 2013 along with Karen Rempel … we saw a very neat outdoor classroom being built and listened to sharing of ideas in a meeting including teachers, admin and trustees! We went away excited to start working with Lakeshore … but we were not sure yet how ….
(J)
We attended several of these meetings over the next year - always amazed by the turnout and sharing that took place!
(M)
In the summer following that division meeting, we were fortunate to attend a conference in St. John’s. The conference was about teaching and technology and we go to know 3 great educators - Lori, Mandy and Alaan - we learned a lot, had good conversations, and had a great time, especially at the Rally in the Alley, where we got “screeched in” and we all kissed the cod! Yech! But screech slushies are good! Now we were ready to start digging into the work ...
(J)
We met in early 2013 school year to learn more about reimagine lakeshore and our role in it… it was determined that our job would be to help build research capacity in the division by supporting action research projects - both in process and in money - funded by the BU VOICE project ...
(M)
Action research was the vehicle for change - to try ideas, learn from mistakes, share ideas, and to help students learn … ( a bit of an overview - this slide and the next …)
(J)
We held fall and spring workshops with action researchers … we learned, had some laughs , and listened to you share so many great ideas and projects, collect data, and use it to improve your practice.
(M)
At the end of that first year, we were asked to do some looking at the overall results of Re imagine lakeshore … we conducted focus groups, surveys … and obtained a LOT of data from the division …
(J ...M)
We had many opportunities to attend and present the work being done in LS, the VOICE project enabled us to bring LS educators along to present as well, these enabled us to get to know, even better, many of the great teachers in this division … presenting at AERA had an additional benefit, afterwards an attendee, a professor from Singapore, approached us to contribute a chapter about Reimagine LS to a book she was editing on global education. (We can make a few copies of that chapter if you are interested)
(J)
We saw and heard about so many projects in the three pathways of facilities, instructional strategies and technology integration … projects that were innovative and forward thinking … and helped students be successful. Each time we visited schools and worked with educators we came away inspired.
(M)
One of the big highlights of our relationship was visiting schools across the division - we observed, talked to teachers, and kids … we could see first hand the differences being made in the schools.
(J)
Of course, the biggest highlights were working with all the great educators in the division! It has been our privilege to learn with you and get to know you, to share in your successes.
(M -- J chirp in))
AND …. after many trips to Lakeshore --- we almost knew the way with out consulting maps !
(M and J alternate)
(M)
So - we did this thing while touring the division - we ran away from various large animals .. but we do not feel we are running away from LS as this project ends. We know the great work will continue, and we have made some good friends and connections. Perhaps more collaborations will happen in the future ..
(J)
Finally we would be remiss if we did not give a shout out to the partners in the VOICE project who supported our work in LSSD. Special thanks to all the educators in LAkeshore, especially Janet and Leanne, thanks to Deji and Davian, grad students who helped us out, Dr. Karen Rempel, the PI of the VOICE project, and our Dean, Dr. Heather Duncan.