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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.