Text chapter 3-7 The Action Research Guidebook: A Process for Pursuing Equity and Excellence in Education 3rd Ed. By Richard Sagor Concise Rules of APA Style 7th Ed. By The American Psycholo
Addressing Socioeconomic Inequality in Education
Alexis S. Brown
Schreiner University
Addressing Socioeconomic Inequality in Education
Narrowed Topic: Addressing Socioeconomic Inequality in Education
I will be completing Option 1, the traditional action research project. Focusing on "Addressing Socioeconomic Inequality in Education," this option allows for hands-on intervention design, implementation, and evaluation. It aligns to propose practical strategies to mitigate socioeconomic disparities, providing a comprehensive understanding through real-world engagement and data collection within the constraints of the course timeline.
What is the topic you have chosen and why is it of interest to you?
I have chosen to focus on "Addressing Socioeconomic Inequality in Education through Action Research." This topic is relevant because it addresses the fundamental problems related to the accessibility of resources, quality of education, and opportunities that students face. The persistent effect of socioeconomic factors on educational achievement carries the implication of long-standing implications for societal equality. As an educator, it is painful to see such inequities which limit students' academic progress due to their economic status. The motivation for this topic lies in a true desire to support the creation of a more equal environment in the educational field (Sagor & Williams, 2016). I think every student, even with their socioeconomic status, should be given a chance to succeed academically. This study fits my interest in social justice and tries to provide workable suggestions for the problems faced by students with low socioeconomic status. In addition, the topic enables me to study practical interventions through an action research project lens. Through tackling this challenging theme, I want to comprehend the causes of socioeconomic differences in education and engage in systemic changes that make an inclusive and supportive learning space for every student. Finally, by providing educators, administrators, and policymakers with valuable insights, the research aims to bring about positive changes in education.
Also, tell me three things you have learned from the videos or the text that are NEW TO YOU. What questions do you have about those things?
Three new things I learned from the text area
Authentic Assessment in Project-Based Learning: The text accurately assesses project-based learning (PBL). Students' understanding is evaluated based on their products or solutions to problems in the real world rather than older methods such as standardized tests and quizzes (Boss, 2020). This strategy attempts to offer the required information with an assessment of increases in growth and performance by the children through diverse learning goals, including 21st Century Skills.
Action Research in Education: In Maryland, the teachers at The Siena School conducted action research on their teaching practices. Action research is a process in which teachers try to solve their classroom and teaching problems by discovering instructions they use and reflecting on them (Boss, 2020). The inquiry of the Siena School focused on the quality and participation of real-assessment practices to demonstrate how professional learning can be affected by action research and, based on it, to provide answers about pedagogical decisions.
The Impact of Authentic Assessment on Teaching Practices: The findings of the action research that was documented at the Siena School suggest several positive outcomes of the study. Authentic assessment was discovered to result in more relevant and valuable feedback for both teachers and students, more engagement and motivation, and greater creativity and collaboration (Boss, 2020). Teachers also started to be more reflective in shaping the assessments that match students' everyday realities and application for individual needs.
Questions
Implementation Challenges: What challenges did the Siena School face when implementing authentic assessment in project-based learning, and how did they overcome them?
Long-term Effects: How have the changes in assessment practices influenced overall student performance and attitudes toward learning in the long term?
Scaling Action Research: Can the action research model employed by the Siena School be easily replicated and scaled by other educational institutions, and are there specific conditions required for its success?
References
Sagor, R. D., & Williams, C. (2016). The action research guidebook: A process for pursuing equity and excellence in education. Corwin Press.
Boss, S. (2020, January 21). How Teachers Can Learn Through Action Research. Retrieved from https://www.edutopia.org/article/how-teachers-can-learn-through-action-research/
