Action research paper

FACULTY MEMBER: TERM:

COURSE TITLE: Field Experience/Internship

COURSE NUMBER: IST.8101.SE

OFFICE HOURS/METHOD OF CONTACT:

METHODOLOGY:

Students will employ an Action Research Methodology to complete their selected project. This methodology can be used for new development, quality improvement, information gathering, internships, or (for the Internet Web Design students) electronic portfolio development. Action Research requires that the researcher must be a stakeholder in the project. That means, the student will benefit from the research.

All other students are required to complete a field experience “praxis” assignment. This praxis will afford the students an opportunity to engage skills and knowledge acquired throughout the program into a practical learning experience.

1. Teaching Methods:

Teaching method will include a combination of online discussions, readings, and individual research papers. A cooperative and participative learning strategy will be deployed with every expectation that the student will contribute heavily, in a self-directed action-learning mode, to this educational experience.

1. Evaluation Procedures:

All assignments will be graded using the Rubrics attached to each assignment in Blackboard.

In addition, all written submissions must use a scholarly or formal writing format and strictly follow the writing guidelines of the Publication of the American Psychological Association [APA Manual], 2010, 6th edition, 7th printing.

If a student receives an “Incomplete” as a course grade, the highest resulting “make-up grade will be a “B” (unless there is extenuating justification, such as serious medical issues or hospitalization).

This course uses a combination of Discussion Boards and various other assignments to evaluate students (see table below). Assignment details are located on Blackboard.

Discussion Boards: The discussion boards are thought provoking and entail critical thinking. In Weeks 1, 2, 4, and 6, you are required to answer the question or questions in the discussion board. Initial posts are due within the first, three calendar days after the beginning of each week by 11:59:59 P.M. (E.S.T.) (e.g., if the week starts on Monday; your initial post is due by Wednesday). Responses to a minimum of two peers are due on or before 11:59:59 P.M (E.S.T.) on the day before the next week begins or the day before the next scheduled class meeting.

Forms: There are three required forms. The Academic Research Project (ARP) form, the Human Subjects Review Committee (HSRC) form, and the NIH form. Each must be submitted, reviewed, and approved before any research begins. See Blackboard for more detail.

Action Research Project: Your research project is comprised of four papers (see bulleted list below). The first three papers will be integrated into your fourth paper, the final action research paper. The length of each paper is determined by your ability to clearly and concisely convey information while meeting the requirements of each assignment.

The four papers are:

• Introduction & Methodology Paper

  • background on your research topic and examines action research and its applicability to your research

• Literature Review & Proposal Paper

  • examines current information about your topic and outlines the iterations

• First Iteration Paper

  • presents details about your first two weeks in the Action Research process

• Action Research Report

  • presents the culmination of all previous papers and revisions along with, at least, three additional iterations

All papers must use a formal writing style and use the writing style and formatting guidelines contained in the Publication of the American Psychological Association [APA Manual], 2010, 6th edition, 7th printing. The title page, table of contents, reference page or pages, and appendices are not considered content.

Detailed information about the Action Research Project is available on Blackboard.

Presentation: Your final presentation is a 10 to 15 minute oral presentation about your research. The presentation will occur during the final class meeting in Week 15, unless modified by the instructor

Detailed information about the final presentation is available on Blackboard.

TENTATIVE COURSE SCHEDULE:

The course schedule shown in the table below is tentative and may be modified by your instructor as needed.

SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS:

Publication of the American Psychological Association [APA Manual], 2010, 6th edition, 2nd printing