Readings

Session 4/5: Hubbard and Powers chapter 4; Mills chapter 6

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Using examples from the readings, discuss how you are going to analyze your data for your project. Please write in paragraph form and write your name at the end of your entry. Feel free to comment on others' responses!

From what I have read I have found that one of the most important thing to do while researching is to have continuous analysis and reflection so that it does not become overwhelming at the end. There are a lot of things to consider when analyzing research so it is important to come into it with clear eyes so that we do not interpret data to say what we want it to say. This is important for me to remember because I can see including my own personal biases into the research I do, without meaning to.  Since I will have a lot of qualitative research I think that it is important for me to focus on the themes that I recognize in the research. This will help me to classify my data into specific categories that I can organize. I can also see how concept maps will be beneficial in my research analysis because it will help me to visualize how the data is connected. Since we do not have a lot of time to conduct our research I feel that it is also important for us to look at the questions that we still have as we begin to see some data emerging. This will help us to not rush to conclusions, but to see what else needs examined and explored. This will help us to not draw any conclusions too quickly, but to look closely at the data we have, and know where we are going in the future.

Amy

Reflecting on the assigned reading of Hubbard, Miller and Mills, I think one of the most important things I need to remember about data analysis and interpretation is to reflect and write daily on the action research. Writing, analyzing and interpreting research can become a daunting task. Setting deadlines and mini-deadlines make this task more doable.

I am concerned about skewing the results of my data, because of personal bias. I will attempt to collect the data in a dependable and accurate manner by using a triangulation approach. I will focus on identifying themes that emerge from my literature review and my data collection. I like Mill’s idea of coding surveys, interviews and questionnaires, since I used all of these in my data collection. I also like Mill’s idea of a concept map, since I am a very visual person. I will a concept map to help me interpret my data. Hubbard and Power also stressed the need for accurate student samples and transcription. They suggest to read through written data each week and identify categories on the left margin. They also suggest coming up with an organizational and indexing system early onto make it less cumbersome. I think this will help me stay on task and organized. In conclusion, both texts stressed making data analysis as part of our daily teaching day and to use a variety of data collection approaches. Connie

I agree with Connie about needing to reflect and write daily about your research and findings. As I do this, I notice and see things that I would have never before. Although it is difficult to do this every day, especially when you are planning for instruction minute by minute, I am finding that it is very beneficial. I liked Mills Idea of seeking the advice of a “critical” friend. I have two aides that push into my classroom daily that might see things that I don’t see. It makes sense to ask them for their opinions or to even help with the data collection. Hubbard and Power suggest indexing field notes. I liked this idea and the visual they included with it about the usual and ideal situation. I am thinking this might help me see the specific things I need to change during my students’ station time. This may also raise more questions. Overall, I am learning that one of the most important things to do is use a variety of data collection techniques. I am planning on focusing on the common themes and ideas that I find based on these various data collection methods. Teachers make several decisions a day. It is important to recognize these decisions and change them for the better in the future, based on daily data collection. Katie From the beginning, collecting data for this action research project has concerned me the most. Initially, I was worried about what type of data would be best, but now that I have decided on the types of data collection I will use, my concern is that my analysis will be useful and meaningful. The readings gave helpful suggestions to make meaning of my data. One tactic I will definitely use will be to “seek the advice of a critical friend.” Like Katie, I have an aide in both of my classes. We discuss on a daily basis why things worked well or flopped. The director of my preschool is also a person I rely on to give solid advice. She does not teach a class in the afternoon, so I’ve asked her to give me feedback on the transitions she sees. I have begun to notice some emerging patterns in my students’ transitions and what may be adding to the length of time it takes to move from center to center and centers to circle. I agree with the concern Amy, Katie, and Connie have shared about the possibility of bias skewing the analysis of data. Since observations and kidwatching will constitute the majority of my data, I hope the reflective notes I take will not develop biases in my research. I would like to have more quantitative data to analyze because I feel it is more concrete and would lessen the incidence of bias. Sue

This reading assignment provided good suggestions and guidance in terms of organizing and evaluating the data that I have been collecting. I have been unclear as to how I would be able to analyze and report on my research findings based upon the qualitative measures I am using to collect data. The assigned readings provided clarity on how to “make sense” of qualitative data. I will use the suggestions of organizing material according to themes and then coding the information accordingly. I will look for patterns in my surveys and interviews and follow the suggestion of using notecards to record data to help me be organized. I also like the idea of making a concept map to help visualize the key components of my research and findings. The constant comparison method described in the Hubbard and Powers text is another way to help analyze my quantitative data. I agree that taking notes every day is so important to the outcome and clarity of this project. Also, planning out the steps that I will take every day helps me keep the project on schedule and focused. Colleen