Information & Library Science Department ILS 585 outline
ILS 585
FIELD PROJECT
COURSE DESCRIPTION
An action research project in which the student investigates a significant problem in an institution and develops a strategy for change. By arrangement. Prerequisite: 12 credits in library science and a course in research methods. Scheduled fall and spring semesters. 3 credits.
COURSE OBJECTIVES/STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Upon successful completion of this course students will to able to:
- describe the context, major concepts, and principles of action research
- describe the cycle of action research
- describe four kinds of action research methodologies: 1) observational and narrative research methods, 2) non-observational, survey and self-report techniques, 3) discourse analysis and problem-solving methods, and 4) critical-reflective and evaluative research methods
- describe the ethical criteria for action researchers
- demonstrate the ability to keep a well-organized research notebook
- solve the immediate and pressing day-to-day problems in social situations using self-reflective inquiry
- demonstrate critical thinking and writing skills in a written action research report of a significant problem that was undertaken in order to develop a strategy for change
COURSE OUTLINE
I. Context for action research
II. Major concepts and principles of action research
III. Techniques of action research
IV. The research notebook
V. Analyzing action research data
VI. Ethical criteria for action researchers
VII. The written action research report
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
- Plan and conduct an action research study
- Extensive reading in the literature and preparation of a bibliography
- Participation in seminar-style discussion
- Several response papers
- Major research paper
SUGGESTED TEXTS / TEXTS USED IN THE PAST
Coghlan, D., & Brannick, T. (2004). Doing action research in your own organization (2nd ed.). Sage Publication. ISBN: 1412902479 (paperback) [List Price: $44.95] Paperback: 176 pages 9.3 x 6.5 x 0.4 inches
Stringer, E. T. (2007). Action research (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. ISBN: 1412952239 (paperback) [List Price: $48.95] Paperback: 304 pages 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
Mills, G. E. (2006). Action research: A guide for the teacher researcher (3rd ed.). Prentice Hall. ISBN: 013172276X (paperback) [List Price: $40.00] Paperback: 272 pages 9.1 x 7.5 x 0.7 inches
Approved by the ILS Department Curriculum Committee and Faculty, Spring 2009.