Ryan Lucas

University of Colorado-Denver

Information and Learning Technologies Portfolio

Action Research Report:
Transitioning from 5th grade to 6th grade

Introduction

The purpose of my action research project was to better facilitate the transition of fifth grade elementary schools students into sixth grade middle school students. To accomplish this I researched what other schools were doing. My search was not limited to schools transitioning students from elementary to middle school; it also included transitioning students from middle to high school and high school to college or trade schools. In fact, many of the activities that came to fruition were a result of what I learned other schools were doing to help eighth graders transition to high school students.

After my research I identified concerns that fifth grade parents and students had about moving to the middle school. I also surveyed current sixth graders to find out what concerns they remember having about moving from elementary school to middle school. Armed with this information and the knowledge of what other schools were doing, I created a plan to help students transition from their elementary schools to Evergreen Middle School.

Overall, my action research plan was successful. Many of my ideas helped students and parents as they transitioned from elementary to middle school.

Project Report

Action Research Project Report
Word | PDF | RTF

Responsibilities Fulfilled

Responsibility 1: Continued improvement of professional practice that requires critical inquiry, professional development, and reflective practice

By creating and implementing my action research project designed to improve students' experience as they transition from elementary school to middle school I demonstrated my ability reflect critically on not only my own teaching, but also the teaching profession and the learning environment in my school. As a leader in my school, I am committed to continual professional development regarding welcoming incoming sixth grade students and their parents to our school. Additionally, after learning the action research process in IT 6720, I took it upon myself to create a more meaningful action research project with longer lasting effects.

Responsibility 2: Designs instruction or human performance strategy to meet the needs of learners

Following the action research model from IT 6720, I designed a new action research project based on my interest to help students transition from elementary to middle school. In addition, I paid close attention to the elements of the model to ensure that my action research plan remained action research and not just a "project." From the "Area of Focus" through the "Reflection," I remained focused on the Research Questions.

Responsibility 6: Uses incisive and relevant assessment and evaluation techniques

Designing the surveys and structuring the informal interviews around the research questions demonstrates my ability to use incisive and relevant assessment techniques. The data that was collected from the surveys and informal interviews was used to justify the events and activities that I planned to help answer the research questions.