Action Research Projects

Action research is critical, intuitive and empirical. It is participatory. It is real. Action Research is an exciting process where graduate students integrate theory and practice in a way that benefits the enterprise of education and the individual conducting the research. The action research project is one of the capstone experiences of the Masters in Education program at Concordia. It is also an integral piece of the Research Strand of the Continuing Teaching License. It gives teachers, as researchers, the opportunity to examine those issues that may complicate or compromise the learning process in their school setting, and devise a plan, based on research, to overcome the issues or problems and improve learning. By publishing these projects, the College of Education provides an acknowledgement of quality action research projects, showcases exemplars of student work and current, local and practical research results that may be used in the classroom.

The Action Research

  • Exemplifies the outstanding writing style expected in academic and scholarly work
  • Addresses an appropriate and current educational issue
  • Illustrates innovation and creativity

Composition of the Review Panel

An Action Research project, scoring no less than a four in all categories on the Action Research Scoring Guide, may be submitted for publication on the website upon recommendation, under separate cover, from the research advisor with approval of the candidate. A Review Panel consisting of the research advisor, Action Research Supervisor, and, if necessary, a third reader who is a specialist in the area or the authorization level will make the final decision to publish.

Literacy

Best Practices in Reading Fluency (abstract)

Content-Area Reading and the Effect of Literacy Coaching on Teacher Beliefs and Practices (abstract)

Effect of RTI on Reading (abstract)

Effective Explicit Methods of Vocabulary Instruction (abstract)

Effects of Reading Mastery on Oral Reading Fluency, Retell, and Motivation of Second Grade Readers (abstract)

Increasing Understanding and Utilization of the Writing Revision Process In Fourth Grade (abstract)

Implementation of Best Practices in Reading and Writing Interventions to Foster Growth in Literacy Skills in a Diverse Second Grade Classroom (abstract)

Implementing Writer's Workshop into the Kindergarten Classroom (abstract)

Phonological Awareness Interventions for Students At-Risk of Reading Failure (abstract)

Sight Word Instruction Methods (abstract)

Student Usage of Curriculum Taught Reading Strategies (abstract)

English Language Learners

Classroom Communication with Ethnically Diverse Parents (abstract)

Effective Reading Instruction and Intervention for English Language Learners (abstract)

Kindergarten English Language Learners and Literacy Development (abstract)

The Quality of Life for ELL Students (abstract)

Formative Assessment

Common Formative Assessments in the Middle School Setting (abstract)

Mathematics

Ability Grouping and Mathematics (abstract)

Effects of Different Approaches on Student Math Achievement (abstract)

Effects of Instructional Strategies on Mathematical Discourse (abstract)

At-task Behavior

Effective Transition Techniques (abstract)

Effects of Movement Breaks on Student Attention (abstract)

Early Childhood

Building an Effective Preschool Literacy Program (abstract)

Dramatic Play and Social/Emotional Development (abstract)

Private Schools

An Analysis of the De La Salle North Catholic's Corporate Internship Program (abstract)

Communication

Classroom Communication with Ethnically Diverse Parents (abstract)

Middle School

Junior High School Transition and Finding Success (abstract)

Community College

Increasing Efficiency in a Community College Scholarship Program (abstract)

Physical Education

Optimal Group Sizes for Specific Elementary PE Activities (abstract)

Positive Behavior Support

Positive Behavior Support Implementation (abstract)

What are the Effects of Check-In Check-Out (CICO) Intervention Programs on Red-to-Yellow Zone Identified Participant Students in a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) System School? (abstract)

Attendance

What Do Attendance Turnaround Students' at the Research Site Do, and What Resources are Employed that Help Make Them Successful (abstract)