QUESTION
Select ONE research methodology studied in this course (experiment, survey, discourse analysis, case study and Action research), and examine its attributes, limitations and appropriateness for research in the early childhood education.
SOLUTION
Evaluation of Action Research in Early Childhood Education. ERIC Digest
Borgia, Eileen T. & Schuler, Dorothy have given account of the relevance of action research in
early childhood education. The article has derived its facts and insight from ERIC Clearinghouse
on Elementary and Early Childhood Education Urbana IL.
Yet, we must evaluate it on the following points as it is largely a specific organization-based
piece of information, which may not be objective and hold universal relevance:
• Credibility
• Accuracy
• Reliability
• Validity
• Relevance
• Date
• Source
• Scope and purpose.
Credibility
The article is emphasizing on action research in early childhood education, which deals with
professional development of teachers, which is undertaken by the practitioners themselves, and
improvement in student learning in the process. Now we have to check the credibility of the
claim whether action research in early childhood has been approved and acknowledged by the
experts in the industry. The article has referred to Patterson and Shannon (1993), who describes
action research as “inquiry in which practicing teachers try to understand the particular
individuals, actions, policies, and events that make up their work environment in order to make
professional decisions”. On similar yet little elaborative lines, another reference to a published
work of Garner (1996) supports that action research is systematic, reflective, collaborative
process helps in planning, implementing and evaluating change. The two references however
vary in putting forward the scope of action research. Nevertheless, the both the descriptions
acknowledged the relevance of action research in professional development of the practitioner.
At last, authors Borgia, Eileen T. – Schuler are ERIC authorized, which adds to the credibility
of the information.
Accuracy
For accuracy we will have to see if the analysis drawn is casual, based on trivial information or
on objective study results. It says that action research comes from individual’s perspective and
experience to be in need of change. However, notable author Ferrance. E, 2000 differ and
describe it as research that takes place in a school setting with collaborative efforts on inquiries,
discussions as components of research. Thus, Borgia’s view cannot be cited as completely
accurate.
Reliability
The report is more on the subjective side. It stresses that teachers themselves have to be the peers
of their methods and will have to plan and decide elements to make better environment for better
learning of students. More than collaborative and systematic setup for an objective reliability, it
presents action research as conscious phenomenon on the part of individual part. However, in
modern set up, action research can be conducted on the basis of set models like Simple Action
Research model from (MacIsaac 1995) or Detailed Action research model from Susman 1983
modified (O’Brien. R, 1998). Therefore, we cannot rely on a large scale on the individualistic
attribute of the action research as suggested in the current report.
Validity
The article makes references to Patterson and Shannon (1993) and Garner (1996) to derive
certain outcome, like, “To learn is to change; to change is to create; and to create is to learn.” It
also integrates interventions, participants and discussions and tools. So, the ERIC Digest article
does hold validity of the process. However, for the outcomes, the article lacks complete validity
as it is subjective to individual teacher’s ability to research. It derives conclusion on very vague
and abstract terms like enthusiasm, patience and time on the part of the practitioners. However, a
research to be valid must adopt rigorous, systematic and objective components. Feldman, A. n.d.
has addressed the question on validity on teacher’s research. Subjective research practice does
not validate any certain methodology.
Relevance
It draws relevance of action research in early childhood education in the form of school and
teaching reforms. Action research is directly linked with professional development of the
teachers in better imparting the relevant education. Its practice as an ongoing process makes
educators and students concurrent learners and teachers. Its success lies not in the change but
more in what the practitioner has learnt from the research. Thus, the relevance point has been
well put with all applicable elements in the article.
Date
Action research in early childhood education has been a considerate element in education sector
since more than two decades. The current piece was written in 1996, nevertheless, it still justify
to the needs of the present hour. The education system is yet to improve on the front of
concurrent learning, which can be attained by each reflective practitioner or teacher.
Source
The article has been sourced by the respected organization ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary
and Early Childhood Education Urbana IL. The organization was established in 1966 in the
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is dedicated towards child development and their
education up to age 12. It is a worthy source intended to spread valid information to strengthen
the education system.
Scope and Purpose
It leads to refined methodology of evaluation of oneself as a practitioner. Action research must
give the teacher surrogate experience understand the tacit elements of the learners (Meyer. J,
2000). Action research in early childhood education can form the basis of a nation to strengthen
the early childhood education as made evident by Mitchel, L. & Cubey, P. 2003. The current
article also validated this point of relevance by mentioning about the metropolitan St. Louis,
Missouri adopting action research in early childhood education through the Action Research
Collaborative sponsored by the Danforth Foundation. Another point that validated the relevance
of the article is that “The Teacher as Researcher Committee of the International Reading
Association has also taken a leadership position on encouraging action research among its
members”.
References
Ferrance. E, 2000. Action Research. Brown University.
Feldman, A. n.d. Erzberger’s Dilemma: Validity in Action Research and Science teacher’s
need to know
Meyer. J, 2000. Evaluating Action Research. Oxford Journals
Mitchel, L. & Cubey, P. 2003. Professional Development in Early Childhood Settings: Best
Evidence Synthesis Iteration. Education Counts. Url:
http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/publications/series/2515/5955
Garner, B. 1996. Using Action Research: Challenges and Opportunities for the Beginner.
Paper presented at the Greater St. Louis Sixth Action Research Collaborative Conference,
St. Louis, MO.
Patterson, L., & Patrick S. 1993. Reflection, Inquiry, Action. In Leslie Patterson, Carol M.
Santa, Kathy Short, and Karen Smith (Eds.), TEACHERS ARE RESEARCHERS:
REFLECTION AND ACTION, pp. 7-11. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
ED 356 452.
Susman, G.I. “Action Research: A Sociotechnical Systems Perspective.” Ed. G. Morgan.
London: Sage Publications, 1983. 95-113.
Assessment Criteria: Achieved () / Not yet achieved ( ) (LO = Learning
Outcome)
The components of a research article are evaluated. (LO1)
The article integrates all elements practitionrs, discussions, tools, methodology
The attributes, limitations and appropriateness of a methodology are examined. (LO2)
All attributes are considered, however it is limited to subjective process of research and lacks objective generalization.
Yes, it clearly draw s the scope of the assessment in te f orm of the reasearh’s applicability in prof essional development, imporved learning of the student and strengthening of education system over all.
GG32
But you can order it from our service and receive complete high-quality custom paper. Our service offers “Health” essay sample that was written by professional writer. If you like one, you have an opportunity to buy a similar paper. Any of the academic papers will be written from scratch, according to all customers’ specifications, expectations and highest standards.”
