Integrating Teaching, Learning, and Action Research: Enhancing Instruction in the K-12 Classroom Book

Preface x

Acknowledgments xiii

1 Action Research in Teaching and Learning 1

The Craft of Teaching: Organizing and Facilitating Student Learning 3

The Complexities of Teaching and Learning 4

Student Characteristics and Capabilities 4

What Is to Be Learned: Domains of Knowledge 6

Action Research in Teaching 7

Action Learning For Students 9

Action Research and Action Learning: Parallel Processes 10

Applying Action Research to Phases of Instruction 12

Conclusion 13

Learning Resources 13

Reflection 13

Web Sites 14

Additional Reading 14

2 Learning Theory 15

Cognitive and Developmental Theories 18

Social Learning Theory 21

Inquiry Learning 22

Postmodern Perspectives 23

Critical Theory 24

Conclusion 26

Learning Resources 27

Reflection 27

Web Sites 27

Additional Reading 28

Teaching Standards: INTASC Principles 29

3 Lesson Planning 31

Preparing a Unit of Study (Lesson) 33

Look: Focusing and Reviewing 33

Think: Selecting and Organizing 35

Act: Writing a Lesson Plan 37

Planning Direct Instruction Lessons 37

Elements of Direct Instruction 39

Phases of Instruction 39

Case Example 3.1: A Public Speaking Lesson (I) 43

Planning Inquiry Learning Lessons 48

Case Example 3.2: The Artwork of Jacob Lawrence 54

Conclusion 60

Learning Resources 60

Reflection 60

Web Sites 61

Additional Reading 61

4 Instruction: Facilitating Student Learning 63

Accomplishing Effective Instruction 64

Conditions of Learning (1): Student Engagement 64

Conditions of Learning (2): Prior Knowledge-What Students Know and Can Do 67

Content of the Curriculum: Domains of Knowledge 71

UsingAction Learning to Accomplish Diverse Learning Outcomes 77

Using Action Research to Enhance Instruction 78

Instruction: Observing and Assessing Student Learning 79

LOOK: Observing Student Activity, Performance, and Behavior 80

THINK: Assessing Student Performance or Behavior 81

ACT: Affirming and Remediating 82

Case Example 4.1: Public Speaking (II)-A Direct Instruction Lesson 83

Conclusion 87

Learning Resources 88

Reflection 88

Web Sites 88

Additional Reading 89

5 Action Learning: Accomplishing Objectives, Outcomes, and Standards 91

Action Learning: Student Processes of Inquiry 92

Children and Learning 93

Action Learning: Processes of Inquiry and Investigation 95

Look: Focusing and Gathering Information 95

Focusing 96

Gathering Information 96

Procedures for Interviews, Observations, and Surveys 98

Think: Reflection and Analysis 105

Analysis: Selecting Important, Significant, or Interesting Pieces of Information 105

Synthesis: Organizing a System of Categories 106

Act: Reporting, Presenting, and Performing 108

Outlines and Scripts 111

Case Example 5.1: Civil Rights 113

Conclusion 120

Learning Resources 120

Reflection 120

Web Sites 121

Additional Reading 121

6 Assessment and Evaluation 123

Assessment and Teaching 124

Assessment and Action Research 125

Linking Student Performance and State Standards 127

Intent 127

National Standards 128

State Standards 129

Classroom Assessment 129

Formative and Summative Assessment 130

Evaluation 133

An Assessment Process: Outcomes > Standards > Learning Activities > Assessment Tasks 134

Evaluation of a Direct Instruction Lesson 134

Evaluation of an Inquiry Learning Lesson 136

Exploration 136

Development 136

Expansion 137

Conclusion 137

Learning Resources 138

Reflection 138

Web Sites 138

Additional Reading 139

Appendix. Case Examples 141

Case Example A.1: A Lesson on Sea Life 141

Alabama State Course of Study Standards: Sea Life Lesson 149

Teacher Reflection: Evaluation 152

Case Example A.2: Community Life-A Commercial Project 154

Reflections on the Lesson 158

New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards, Grades 5 and 7: Commercial Lesson 161

Case Example A.3: Environmental Decision Making 164

Reflections on the Lesson 169

New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards: Environmental Decision Making Lesson 172

References 175

Index 179

About the Authors 183