Student Action Research
Professional Dev. Session
What Now?
Make It Manageable But Meaningful
Three Pictures (Student Activity)
1. Have students bring in three pictures to share
a. Proud of in their community
b. Defines them
c. Area to improve, or point of
concern, in their community
2. Students describe their pictures
a. why they chose what they did
b. why these pictures represent them and their community
3. Have the students ask questions
a. who do you contact to help promote or address the area of improvement
b. what questions do they need to ask/answer
c. what data do you think you would need to answer your question
4. Start to map out a question & use the organizers in the resources as guides
Steps to Consider
1. Examine Your Context
a. Understand the dynamics of the school community
* Know the “hot topics”
* Think about groups you can pair with
2. Assess Resources
a. Assess realistically the resources you have at your disposal
b. How can you incorporate SAR into your lessons
3. Focus on Quality Over Quantity
a. A high-quality experience is best
* Students should have the time needed to build relationships with “pairing” organizations
4. Identify Goals & Outcomes
a. What do you want to accomplish?
b. How will you know if you are successful?
c. What specific information will you need to know you are successful?
5. Build In Self Evaluations (Students & Teachers)
6. Make sure you assess throughout the process
7. Practice Active Listening
• Empathize. Put yourself in the other person’s place to understand what that person is saying and
how he or she feels.
• Be attentive. Make an effort to listen carefully. Don’t daydream or talk when someone else is
talking.
• Show understanding and acceptance by nonverbal behaviors. (Tone of voice, Facial expressions,
Gestures, Eye contact, Posture)
• Reflect back the person’s most important thoughts and feelings. Try to do this in your own words.
Paraphrase or restate while being careful to say only what you heard.
• Do not interrupt, offer advice, or give suggestions. Do not bring up similar feelings and problems
from your own experience. Leave out your personal emotions, disagreements, opinions, and other
feedback (unless you are asked for it).
• Remain neutral. Don’t take sides.
• Ask open-ended questions. Ask for clarification but be polite and respectful. For example, ask “Can
you say more about that?” or “What did you mean when you said…?”