Upon further reflection of my action research topic, I have decided that I chose a very broad topic just based on the number of students in our school. When I met with my Site Supervisor, she encouraged me to “keep it manageable, and hone in on a smaller group”. She asked which topic most interested me, and I told her it would be attendance. What makes these kids come to school? What makes them not come to school? I told her that my interest was in how involvement in extra-curricular activities affects attendance. Her response, “I like it”. In order to keep this topic manageable, she suggested that I focus in on activities that are tied to a class in order to pull accurate data efficiently. We don’t have a database that holds student information/membership to be able to include all clubs and organizations. She suggested honing in on fine arts and athletics. Even more, she suggested that I choose one or the other, or even just one fine arts, like band. I agree with her that I can get more reflective data on 250 students than I can 2,400 that are involved in all activities and organizations on campus.
I have decided to hone in on either fine arts or athletics. These are tied to actual courses, and can easily be tracked. I could even go to just one or a couple of activities in either, or both. For example: Band and Drill Team, or Men's and Women's Basketball.
Being that I am a new teacher to the campus, it might be best if I focus on the departments in which I know the staff the least. While deliberating that, I wonder if people that I know would be more willing to assist me in this effort.
I think it's a good topic that you are planning on researching. You might want to select students with the same demographics so that you are abel to get a more precise result with those students.
ReplyDeleteTeachers whom you know will probably be more willing to assist you this project. Don't hesitate to ask, you might be surprised to their response. Good Luck and look forward to reading the outcome of your project.