My planned action research project involves gaining the cooperation of about 70 at-risk teens to comply with 2 different surveys as well as the success of the program is determined by those same students completing any number of online courses. Some of these courses are harder than others. In general, this action research plan lends itself far from the formalized scientific method. I hypothesize that more than 50% will successfully complete a course but it is very dependent on the student's desire to actually do so. I will maintain adequate motivational strategies and provide interventions as needed to address the needs of the students who cannot work exclusively in the online environment; however, the addition of these interventions will likely skew the data.Also, I anticipate that the dynamic nature of the sample size will be somewhat of a factor. I will try to circumvent that issue a little by creating a snapshot date and sticking with that group of students through the end. That will mean that my sample size is likely to shrink as we get near the end of the semester. I hope that I am able to maintain a viable sample size to make the results credible.
A few other issues I foresee:
* action plan not directly related to the CIP but is more related to the DIP
* time constraints of working a 50+ hour week and other grad school requirements
* only 1 source of numerical data, which will be supplemented with empirical data in the forms of an interest survey and a skills survey
* too many variables, but limiting of any of these variable will severely limit the sample size
I don’t have a plan of action to address the bulleted issues yet but I would love to hear your thoughts.
After my meeting with my site supervisor tomorrow I will post more problems that came up.
UPDATE: I spoke with my site supervisor on Monday but we were in agreement about the problems that would likely come up so I do not have more to add to my list. I guess in a way the problem of it not being related to the CIP is not really true. In order to become exemplary we have to raise on time graduation rate. My very job is an effort to do that so that is how the project and what I do will help in that area.
Well I would just over shoot on your sample size so that if it does shrink it will not be an issue. You probably are all ready gonna do that just giving my two cents. The time restraints are exactly that time restraints if you get any ideas how to by pass them you'll probably be awarded an honorary doctorate:) I am also worried about all the variables and direction from results of findings. I think we all might be feeling the same way, it is the unknown for me since I have never done this before. All the struggles will make it all worth while and all the sweeter upon completion. I'm just wondering how many projects are going to be on going at the same time? Is every class gonna be like this?
ReplyDeleteI wonder what would be a viable sample size to make these results creditable. I think that I am going to end up relying on percentage and comparison to present my results. In that regard, a smaller sample size does not indicate lack of credibility. It will only skew the standard deviation making them some what questionable. Unfortunately, I am pulling the largest group that I can guarantee the same enviroment for.
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