In this course, students will carry out their classroom-based action research project that was developed in GED 627 using what they have learned about educational change; qualitative, quantitative, and technological methodologies in school- or classroom-based action research; and various school improvement and change models. Students will learn how to evaluate school programs for continuous improvement, including curricular and instructional practices, professional development, athletics, co-curricular activities, technology, support services, and community involvement. Students will extend and reinforce their knowledge, skills, and competencies related to professional and educational practice through identification and action research of an authentic classroom-based problem.
This course supports the constructivist philosophy of student-centered instruction and relevant, meaningful learning. Students will further develop and apply their understanding of teaching strategies that will serve to maximize the potential of each child through learning models that are specifically organized around specific content, competencies, communication, collaboration, and connectivity. This course will require students to work, both individually and collaboratively to research, examine, articulate, debate, and ultimately identify the essential criteria for exemplary contemporary teaching practices. The learning experience will be organized around an authentic performance task that will allow students to analyze the impact of families, cultures, and communities on schools and learning. This overarching task will require students to work both individually and collaboratively in the development of a foundation grant application that, in the end, will serve to promote collaboration with family and community members to expand opportunities for authentic student learning.