Assignment 11

Reflections: Action Research in Action Affiliation Action Research in Action Douglas E. Arnold presents an article ActionResearch in Action: Curricular articulation and integrated instruction. In this article, the author sheds light on the potent that action research has for school improvement and overall academic change. Arnold captures findings of an action research that took place in Galax High School (Arnold, 2008). The research was focusing on integrated instruction to increase curricular articulation and connections among disciplines in the school. In addition, the project was aiming towards decreasing isolation that some teachers experience.
The article gives the reader an opportunity to appreciate the role and impact of action research within the educational setting. In essence, the author captures the processes involved in action research in relation to maximizing the benefits. In addition, this is a research process that has the capacity to revitalize the entire learning process in most academic spheres. In addition to adding value to the learning process, action research creates critical grounds to reflect and evaluate teaching approaches (Arnold, 2008). It is therefore a necessary tool that can be used to support various initiatives by individual teachers, teaching communities, and organizations.
Essentially, one cannot ignore the nature of data collection procedures used in action research. The author sheds light on the necessary aspects that one should consider when conducting action research (Arnold, 2008). It is an invaluable tool that offers a range of opportunities for the learners and the teachers. Essentially, when one is capable of conducting a study within their field makes it possible to address issues that are facing a system.
The qualitative techniques in use when conducting action research set the stage for solving problems and enhancing practice. The reader further gets the details of how action research can enable the researcher to interpret as well as formulate acceptable solutions and practical steps towards local problems. One of the benefits that come with such an approach includes the ability to seek viable and realistic explanations to some of the general problems facing an education system.
Some of the realities that the researcher faces on a day to day basis are grounds for gathering factual data. Due to this, the researcher does not have the luxury of following laid out procedures. Such a position calls for innovative data collection techniques that will focus on the importance of the data at hand (Arnold, 2008). The emphasis on the significance of the study conducted serves the role of increasing the value of the findings.
Conclusion
In spite of the challenges faced, the project had major breakthroughs. First, the results gave an indication of meaningful learning experiences. In essence, most of the students who took part in the study developed a critical connection between different disciplines. In the end, students revealed positive attitudes towards integrated instruction. In addition, the study revealed a sense of support from teachers and the overall teaching fraternity (Arnold, 2008). Essentially, the overall impact of the project led to a renewed interest to enhance the scope of the project. The teachers who took part in the study broke their barriers of isolation and sought to build bridges.
On the other hand, the findings brought to light the value of connecting various disciplines among the students. Since students were in a better position to make vital connections, it was important to delve further into the project (Arnold, 2008). In essence, integration is a process that should focus on the learning process in line with the teaching activities.
Reference
Arnold, Douglas (2008). Action Research in Action: Curricular Articulation and IntegratedInstruction. In Schmuck, Richard. Practical Research in Action: A Collection ofArticles (2nd ed., pp. 157-167). California: Corwin Press.