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FNED 547: Introduction to Classroom Research

Spring 2020
Subjects: Education Tags: classroom research

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Kieran Ayton's picture
Kieran Ayton
Contact:
Adams Library Room 404
401-456-9604

Research Questions and Literature Review

Notepad and Pencil Clip Art

Research Proposal/Design

  • Conduct research in your classroom and emphasize the theories and methodologies of critical qualitative research.

  • Explore existing theories, methodologies, and examples of teacher/action research as a way to create educational change.

 

Literature Review (will support your research question and findings)

A Literature Review frames your topic in the context of what other researchers have discovered and are discovering about it.  You are not conducting research in a vacuum — you want to find out how others have theorized your topic. 

For example, what is “inclusion” and how do the voices in the field of special education feel about it? How is inclusion different from other special education formats?  What do advocates say about inclusion? What do the critics say about inclusion? Has anyone conducted research similar to yours and if so what did they find? 

  • What is the conversation other researchers are having on your topic?

  • What have others found that will help inform your study?

  • How does your voice fit into the conversation?  How will you fill gaps in the literature?

  • Find peer reviewed sources

  • Mold or frame the literature review around your classroom data - tweak your questions based on the data you collect in the classroom as opposed to what you find in the lit review.  Casting a wide net - you don’t have to use everything you find. Be flexible to start.

  • Consider the author’s argument and data, as well as research method and writing style, to get to know the context of your topic and provide even more models for writing up classroom research.  

Subjects: Education