Mertler defines Action Research as “any systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, administrators, counselors or other with a vested interest in the teaching and learning process or environment for the purpose of gathering information about how their particular schools operate, how they teach and how their student learn” (Mills, 2011, as cited in Mertler, 2019, p. 5). When reading Mertler’s Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators, it becomes evident that action research is something that educators do every day, even if it is through a more informal approach. Educators must make thousands of seemingly trivial decisions based on observations, formative assessments, and even a student’s response to a simple question. It is a significant part of our work with our learners that we can make those decisions quickly and with the best intentions. Everything we do in the classroom is for our learners.

With my innovation plan of implementing a flipped classroom model, it is at that moment in my journey that I develop a plan to assess the impact it is making in classroom. As I have done further investigation of this blended learning model, that it could likely have a more significant result on my learners and myself, as I shift to the role of the learning facilitator. My first assignment in EDLD 5315 is to create an Action Research Outline.

It is through the four stages and nine steps that are discussed by Mertler that action research is conducted. To restate, here is the process (2019, p.34-36):

• The Planning Stage
  • Step 1: Identifying and Limiting the Topice
  • Step 2: Gathering Information
  • Step 3: Reviewing the Related Literature
  • Step 4: Developing a Research Plan
• The Acting Stage
  • Step 5: Implementing the Plan and Collecting Data
  • Step 6: Analyzing the Data
• The Developing Stage
  • Step 7: Developing an Action Plan
• The Reflecting Stage
  • Step 8: Sharing and Communicating the Results
  • Step 9: Reflecting on the Process

The Action Research Outline takes me through the first three steps of Mertler’s procedure. Through the topic of implementing a flipped classroom in a secondary math classroom, I narrowed the focus of my research to determine the effects my project is having in my classroom. My research question is:

How does implementing a flipped learning model in a high school mathematics classroom impact learner engagement?

Through this action research process, I hope to find out how I can better my practices as a learning coach. By creating a learning environment that affords choice, ownership, and voice through authentic learning (COVA), I will spark that flame in my learners to engage fully in the learning process. Knowledge is power, and I want them to find that power and use it for their success.

Literature Review

In the process of Action Research, the Planning Stage includes reviewing the literature (Mertler, 2019). My professor, Dr. M, was the MVP and provided a template for the paper. My experience with developing a literature review is one I have not been excited to repeat. The template and a research topic I am passionate about have made this second opportunity more enjoyable. Procuring numerous journal publications in the Flipped Classroom (FC) area was relatively easy. I needed help determining the best evidence to use and narrowing my search. The literature was all relevant and useful, but I needed more time.

It was easy to determine that, with the abundant amount of literature, the studies on implementing the flipped classroom still need to be completed. The necessity for evidentiary support guides my action research on student engagement and the FC. I can find the best approach to my study through the publications and the findings discussed in my Literature Review.

I found myself inspired and validated in the work I had done over the last ten months when I was writing this review of the literature. I am excited to see the results of my action research and the impact on my learners’ experience.   

Action Research Plan

The final assignment for EDLD 5315 is to put all the components of the action research plan together in a cohesive narrative. Through this experience, I was finally able to see that my action research could provide me with the support to help me bring about change in my school community. With the arrival of about 3000 Chromebooks on our campus, we have been tasked by district and campus administrators to use the technology purposefully. With the requirement to use technology through our time teaching virtually, I have witnessed many teachers refuse to use it since we have returned to in-person learning. It is disappointing, to say the least. I know that if we operate with the interests of our learners at the forefront of our decision-making in the classroom, technology can only aid in that journey to finding improved learner engagement and success. I hope that my action research will validate that and provide the necessary data and experiences to inspire those teachers to open the files they have hidden away since the end of distance learning.

Reference

Mertler, C. A. (2019). Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.