Design and Development: Clarifying the Problem
These guidelines and reflections provide a structured approach to conducting action research and aligning it with ongoing innovation efforts to enhance the learning experience at Valdymas College.
1. How has the work that I have been doing in my innovation planning helped me with the action research topic selection?
The work in innovation planning has laid a strong foundation for my action research by identifying the key challenges and areas for improvement within our Advanced Level programs at Valdymas College. It has highlighted the limitations of the traditional learning approach, such as the excessive focus on exam preparation and the lack of real-world application of knowledge. This critical insight has driven the selection of my action research topic, which aims to leverage ePortfolios to foster personalized learning and enhance students’ ownership and practical application of their knowledge. The alignment of my innovation plan with action research has enabled a focused and strategic approach to addressing the educational needs and transforming the learning experience for our students.
2. What is the topic of my action research?
The topic of my action research is: Leveraging ePortfolios to drive personalized learning in Advanced Level programs and enhance students’ ownership and application of their knowledge to real-world scenarios. This research aims to explore the potential of ePortfolios as a tool for promoting deeper engagement and facilitating meaningful learning experiences that extend beyond traditional exam-focused education.
3. What is the purpose of my study?
Transition from a traditional exam-oriented approach to a more student-centered learning model that promotes deeper understanding and skill development.
Increase student engagement and ownership of their learning process.
Enhance the practical application of knowledge in real-world contexts.
4. What is my fundamental research question?
My fundamental research question is: “How can leveraging ePortfolios in Advanced Level programs enhance personalized learning and increase students’ ownership and application of their knowledge in real-world scenarios?” This question seeks to explore the impact of ePortfolios on students’ learning experiences and their ability to apply acquired knowledge effectively outside the classroom.
5. Why types of problems can I run into if I don't have a very well-developed research question?
If the research question is not well-developed, several issues can arise for me:
Lack of Focus: The research may become too broad or ambiguous, leading to an unfocused study that fails to address specific issues or produce meaningful insights.
Inconsistent Results: Without a clear research question, the study may yield inconsistent or irrelevant results, making it difficult to draw valid conclusions or recommendations.
Resource Wastage: Time, effort, and resources may be wasted on collecting data that does not contribute to answering the research question effectively.
Difficulty in Analysis: An ill-defined question can complicate the analysis process, making it challenging to interpret findings and provide actionable outcomes.
Weak Justification: A poorly formulated question may undermine the rationale for the research, making it harder to justify its significance or relevance to stakeholders.
6. What can I do about this?
To address these potential problems, I can:
Refine the Question: Ensure the research question is clear, specific, and aligned with the objectives of the study. It should be focused enough to guide the research but broad enough to allow for comprehensive exploration.
Conduct a Literature Review: Review existing literature to identify gaps and refine the research question based on current knowledge and trends in the field.
Seek Feedback: Engage with colleagues, mentors, or experts to obtain feedback on the research question and ensure it is well-defined and relevant.
Pilot Study: Conduct a small-scale pilot study to test the feasibility of the research question and make necessary adjustments based on initial findings.
Define Scope and Objectives: Clearly outline the scope and objectives of the study to ensure the research question is achievable within the given resources and timeframe.
By maintaining a clear focus and aligning my research question with the overall goals of the study, I can ensure that the action research effectively addresses the educational challenges and contributes to meaningful improvements in our Advanced Level programs.
References
- Why use an ePortfolio Why use an ePortfolio
- Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators. SAGE Publications.
- Harapnuik, D. K, Thibodeaux, T. N., & Cummings, C. D. (2018). Creating significant learning environments through choice, ownership, voice, and authenticity.
- Barnstable, K. (2010). 41 Benefits of an ePortfolio. Retrieved from 41 Benefits of an ePortfolio
- Harapnuik, D (2023, September). What is an ePortfolio. It’s About Learning. Retrieved from What is an ePortfolio