Module+4

=Module 4: Data Collection=

Getting Started
Decide upon suitable methods for data collection. Data collection may include the use of surveys, interviews, checklists, pre/post tests, or some other type of instrument that will address the research question providing data to support it.

Module Notes
First, you will collect data that allows you to begin answering the question you posed in Step 2. Second, you will collect data to determine the effect of your changed practice.

The first data set will confirm that you have identified a legitimate question and provide insights into the nature of the issue(s) underlying your question. You will suggest changes to your practice. The review of the literature and resources will provide further information that informs decisions about changing your practice.

These questions may help:
 * What do you expect will happen as a result of your action research? How? When?
 * In what setting will you collect the data?
 * What events are occurring in this setting?
 * What people are involved?
 * What interactions are occurring?
 * What physical evidence is available?
 * How do you plan on managing your data gathering?
 * What resources are required to undertake the data gathering?

Data Collection strategies may include: Group activities Inventories Checklists Questionnaires Portfolios Narrative descriptions Journals Personal field notes Interviews Student achievement data Surveys Focused discussion groups

Click on this document to review additional information regarding data collection. [|Data Collection.doc]

What the Team Must Submit
A one or two (1-2) page paper that includes a description of the research method used, data that describes existing practice, the review of literature and resources and data that describes the effects of your altered practice. Be sure to include statements that show you have collected enough data, that is measures what you want it to measure, and that you collected it with some precision.