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Task 2. Research Question

Task 2. Research Question

Aim

Defining your research question determined by your individual teaching context and research interest (= the “what” in the model for reflection)

Tasks

For Student Teachers

  • Think about possible research questions for an Action Research project in the classroom (a question for self-reflection) like “How can I engage students in group work?”, “How can I motivate my students to participate more?”, etc.) Think of HOW and WHY questions as well.
  • Define your own research question; determined by your individual teaching context and research interest.
  • Share it with others and explain your choice using the Communication Tool. 
  • Read the entries of your peers and leave at least 3 comments.

For Academic & School Mentors

  • Look through your students’ messages in the Communication Tool.The student teachers need to write one message covering 1) My research question and 2) explain their choice.
  • If appropriate, guide your students’ formulation of research questions by asking guiding questions

Read more

Action Research (AR) questions may concern various aspects of teaching practice. Here are some examples to help you while you formulate your own question:

1. Changes in classroom practice (e.g., What effect will welcoming students before they enter the classroom have on my students?) 

2. Effects of program restructuring (e.g., How will a blended learning approach affect student work habits?) 

3. New understandings of students (e.g., What happens when at-risk students perceive they can be successful?) 

4. Understanding of self as teacher (e.g., What skills do I need to refine to be more effective in teaching students to work together?) 

5. New professional relationships with colleagues and students (e.g., How can regular and special education teachers effectively co-teach?) 

6. Teaching a new process to the students (e.g., How can I teach my students to use reflection?) 

More details can be found in Pine 2009, Chapter 2. 

You can find more ideas in the brochure on Queensland Approach to teacher reflexivity 

Framing an AR question

Look at the Flow Chart