Karen Elinich @ Pepperdine University

	Karen Elinich @ Pepperdine University
kelinich@pepperdine.edu kelinich@yahoo.com kelinich@fi.edu	Action Research Project Portfolio 2004-2005
	638B - Framing the Research Question First Draft - September 30, 2004 Field of Action Research: My field of action is The Franklin Institute Science Museum, particularly its educational technology programs department. I will work with an invited group of in-service K-8 teachers of science who will collaborate with my educational technology team and the Institute's Curatorial department. Problem: The Institute's amazing collection of primary source documents from the history of science and technology is not accessible to teachers or the general public. Possible Solution: Provide online access to the primary sources, accompanied by teacher-developed curricular connections. Outcomes: All teachers will have access to primary sources. The invited group of teachers will have developed their professional skills. My team will have gained perspective from working with the teachers. The curatorial team will have expanded access to its documents. Research Question: Using the Web and Internet2, how can I help teachers incorporate primary source documents from the history of science and technology into their classroom practice? Possible Cycle Questions: 1. After deconstructing the process I used in the past, what are the essential elements of effective teacher use of primary sources? How can I improve the process for having teachers work with my team to develop content derived from primary sources? 2. How can I most effectively manage the collaborative development of online content packages as well as Internet2 programs that support use primary sources as part of standards-aligned K-8 classroom practice? 3. After the new resources are developed and field-tested, how can I most effectively disseminate the project development model? How can I promote awareness of the products and maximize their usage within their target audience?

Action Research Project Portfolio

2004-2005

638B - Framing the Research Question

First Draft - September 30, 2004

Field of Action Research:

My field of action is The Franklin Institute Science Museum, particularly its educational technology programs department. I will work with an invited group of in-service K-8 teachers of science who will collaborate with my educational technology team and the Institute's Curatorial department.

Problem:

The Institute's amazing collection of primary source documents from the history of science and technology is not accessible to teachers or the general public.

Possible Solution:

Provide online access to the primary sources, accompanied by teacher-developed curricular connections.

Outcomes:

All teachers will have access to primary sources. The invited group of teachers will have developed their professional skills. My team will have gained perspective from working with the teachers. The curatorial team will have expanded access to its documents.

Research Question:

Using the Web and Internet2, how can I help teachers incorporate primary source documents from the history of science and technology into their classroom practice?

Possible Cycle Questions:

1. After deconstructing the process I used in the past, what are the essential elements of effective teacher use of primary sources? How can I improve the process for having teachers work with my team to develop content derived from primary sources?

2. How can I most effectively manage the collaborative development of online content packages as well as Internet2 programs that support use primary sources as part of standards-aligned K-8 classroom practice?

3. After the new resources are developed and field-tested, how can I most effectively disseminate the project development model? How can I promote awareness of the products and maximize their usage within their target audience?