Action Research Outline

Michael W. Harrell Jr.

 EDLD5315 Action Research Outline Assignment

       What is the topic of your action research?

The topic of my action research is the benefits that neurodivergent learners gain from the full-time incorporation of technologically advanced educational tools into their respective learning environments. It is derived from my innovation plan, which is designed to provide neurodivergent students with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to be used in the classroom and throughout campus. The classroom setting will provide students with 100% technology-based resources such as AAC devices, iPads, and other sensory-focused tools that will allow a safe space for students to actively engage in their learning process without any communication restraints. The development of this technology-based learning model/curriculum is to hopefully provide a solution and raise awareness of the issues surrounding educational support for neurodivergent learners and their learning environment.

  What is the purpose of your study?

The purpose of my study is to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovation/curriculum and to utilize the analytical findings to further develop meaningful education tools and courses that better connect educators and neurodivergent learners in the pursuit of fostering diversity, inclusivity, and versatility amongst learning environments that ensure the support of all learners. As an educator and a parent of a neurodivergent child, I want to know if technology-enhanced learning courses/curriculum can help reshape and forever change the perspective of what a neurodivergent learner’s educational environment can and should look like. Additionally, I would like to better understand what the best or some of the best implementation strategies for the technology and curriculum are that facilitate feasibility, sustainability, and comfort to the needs and interests of the students and stakeholders.

What is your research question?

My fundamental research question is what improvements does the incorporation of ACC devices into the classroom have on academics and behavior amongst neurodivergent learners in grades K-5? My research question is formulated to address the main aspects of my topic and purpose. It specifies a technology-based learning tool, while highlighting the blended learning strategy developed to combat the fact that neurodivergent learners are grossly underserved as it pertains to their respective educational environment

What is your research design (Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods)?

The research design that best fits my action plan is mixed methods, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. I chose this design because it will allow me to capture the nuances of my topic of interest. I can use qualitative methods, such as surveys, to explore the perceptions and experiences of students to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of my innovation/curriculum. I can use quantitative methods to express and highlight the analytical data findings through assessments, group collaborations, and other means of performance testing.

 Why did you choose this design?

I chose this design because it was the best fit for a thorough exploratory dive into all the information and data presented throughout this complex topic. The measurement instruments selected will help me to measure and document the changes and outcomes associated with my innovation plan. I will be able to track the performance, perceptions, and experiences of learners and educators, which will allow me to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of my innovation plan. With this design model, I will then be able to utilize the mixed method to make alterations to the course structure or implementation strategy that serve to enhance the desired outcomes and capabilities achieved through my innovation plan.

  What data will you collect?

The data that I will collect are pre-tests, assessments, pre-surveys, post-surveys, interviews, observations, and student-led group collaboration workshops. These data sources will provide me with both quantitative and qualitative data that are relevant to the research question. The pre- and post-assessments and surveys will allow me to gauge everyone’s initial outlook, level of understanding, and capabilities from the beginning of the course to what types of changes in outlook or abilities are developed throughout the span of the course.

What types of measurement will you use?

The types of measurements that I am considering are descriptive and central statistics. These measurement techniques will help me to analyze and interpret the data that I collect, and better highlight my research purpose, while answering my overall fundamental research question. I can use descriptive statistics to summarize the scores and changes in academic performance, behavior, and in-class participation.  I will utilize central statistics to showcase a classroom view of how the learners’ abilities and behaviors have changed in this engineered learning environment from the start of the course till its completion. “Central measurements are frequently used when trying to find a collective level of performance” (Mertler, 2020).  I can use both these measurements to compile vital analytical data that allows me to formulate credible, supported information that can be utilized to expand upon the continued advocacy efforts, technological advancements in educational tools, and the innovation of learning environments for neurodivergent students.

What is the focus of your literature review?

The focus of my literature review is to raise awareness through information, highlight useful literature resources, and help to improve the overall level of understanding the on topics like: neurodivergent students learning environment and what can and what needs to be done to ensure that can enjoy an inclusive, supported learning environment the same as every learner deserves. The implementation of AAC devices into the classroom for all neurodivergent learners and those in need, and how beneficial this technological communication assistance tool is inside the classroom for those learners. These topics are very important to my research question, and my data, coupled with my literature review, will not inform, but ultimately justify my choice of innovation plan and the critical mission it serves.

 References

Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.