Methods for Data Collection and Action Research

Throughout this course, we have been exploring a variety of ways to conduct Teacher Research.  From our class readings and the time spent in the library, I have discovered the following means for collecting data:

1. Notes in the field: taking notes and keeping anecdotes of my own classroom experiences.
2. Student questions and answers: asking my students questions about my teaching and or their learning experiences.
3. Scholarly journals: places where other education professionals share their classroom experiences and findings.
4. Unpublished research studies: sparks ideas for research questions and offers related materials to my own research questions.  Develops a feeling of interconnectedness in the field, in spite of full conclusions or absolute findings.
5. Published research studies: Same as above, but usually with more complete findings.
6. Student work: artifacts to represent ideas put to use and lessons in action.
7. Content-based websites for educators: NCTE, etc.
8. District and state-wide data sites: Performance Tracker, RTI, etc.  Gives a more holistic view for observing student achievement and or lack of progress.