EDLD 5301 Week 3 - Action Research Plan

1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION:

Teaching sight singing to beginning choir students is difficult because it is something completely foreign to them. Because of the students’ lack of previous knowledge it has become a concern of mine to understand the most efficient way to teach beginner students to sight sing.

2. ANALYZING DATA:

Analyzing data from mini- assessments, formal assessments will be vital for me as I determine which areas of the content that I need to address further. I will also be gathering information to be compiled within my researcher’s notebook. Within this notebook I will be documenting notes to myself about my performance, factors that may have influenced the class’s learning, and the perception of the student about their particular method of sight singing.

3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING:

Though the data gathering conducted within my action research project I will ask myself additional questions about what I am doing within the process that can be more efficient. I will also ask my students for feedback about their feeling about the learning method that they are using. I will read journals about technology use within the music classroom.

4. ENGAGING SELF REFLECTION:

I will examine my action research template and ask myself if I have all of the necessary resources to fully conduct my action research project. I will also be gathering questions from the beginning of this project within my researcher’s notebook. Through my writings I will be analyzing my performance daily. I will keep notes from suggestions from my site mentor.

5. EXPLORING PROBLEMATIC PATTERNS:

I will be looking for suggestions from my site supervisor during this time and logging our conversations to reflect upon as I determine the best methods within my classroom during this project. I will also ask other music professionals their advice as they may have a clear vision about certain aspects of the project.

6. DETERMINING DIRECTION:

I believe that my topic will be interesting for many music teachers. I believe that I am clear what my goals are during this project and that my timelines are realistic.  I feel that I have clear assessment strategies and a strong plan for monitoring and evaluation for my students as they progress with their learning.

7.TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT:

I am ready to begin this project and am certain that the action research planning has prepared me to take on this project. I also feel that I will be prepared to present findings about this topic.

8. SUSTAINING IMPROVEMENT:

Through my research project I will be able to determine which method of learning sight singing will best help my students with their mastery of the content. I will then be able to make a decision about which method of learning sight singing I will be implementing in my classroom in the future.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools. Eye on Education Press.