Aims [of the Teachers as Researchers program]:

To develop teachers as classroom and school- based researchers with the understanding, knowledge and skills to participate in small scale project research activity.

To prepare schools to participate in larger scale future research projects.

Overview [of the Teachers as Researchers program]:

This seven month program supports school teams to work collaboratively, with support from academic staff, to develop a research skill set and engage in a contextualised, small scale research project.

Overview of online module 1:

An Introduction to practitioner inquiry or professional practice research in education; selecting a research project and research skills. Link to practice: How will this research inform/change your practice/pedagogy?

Welcome message:

Hi everyone,

Welcome to the first online module of the Teachers as Researchers as program. This online module replaces some of the material planned for the first workshop Monday 16th March. It is an introduction to the Teachers as Researchers program, to action research, to each other, and to your Critical Friends.

It is designed as a sequential learning experience so that it is easy to navigate. If you have any questions or feedback about the online module, please do not hesitate to contact me via shyam.barr@canberra.edu.au

Happy learning!

Shyam

1.1: Meet the Teachers as Researchers members

To help get to know your fellow teacher-researchers, please take the time to briefly introduce your school team (one post per team), and share one thing that you're hoping to achieve as part of the Teachers as Researchers program, via the Discussion Board.

1.2: Activating prior knowledge

Before you engage in the following activities, take the time to generate* any knowledge that comes to mind when you think of the term "action research". You may like to do this as an individual, as a team, or both.

*Suggested 'brainstorm' thinking routine: Generate-Sort-Connect-Elaborate (Note: Once you have opened this hyperlink, you will need to download the Generate-Sort-Connect-Elaborate instructions via the Resource Links)

1.3: Introduction to Action Research

Read the first 3 pages of the following document and identify at least three points of interest or questions that arise. If you have any issues accessing the file, I have also uploaded the file in Modules which can be accessed via the left hand pane.

Watch the following video:

*Please note: Some of the content in the following video presentation was prepared by Chris Morrissey and has been previously delivered in ACT schools over the last couple of years*

Discuss** the information presented in both reading and video.

**Suggested discussion protocol:

In your team:

- Select a time-keeper

1. Each team-member is given 3 minutes to share their points of interest/ideas/questions, and explain the reasons for their choices.
2. The group then has 2 minute to respond (seek clarity, elaboration or ask questions).
3. Repeat for each person

1.4: Role of the Critical Friend

Watch the following video:

Consider any questions you have about the role of the Critical Friend, and note these down for your upcoming meeting with your Critical Friend(s).

1.5: Next steps: Planning your research

From here, you may like to consider any of the actions that have come out the reading or videos. Additionally, you can access two different research-planning templates (via the modules tab - left hand pane), which you can use in your upcoming discussions with your Critical Friend.