Oops...I Did it Again!

I changed the plan for my action research project (yet again!). The more I reflected on my research, I felt that I was still concentrating on the wrong population for my study. How can gender stereotypes be removed from the preschool classroom? Focusing on children in this process may not provide sound enough results. I switched my gears and decided to, instead, focus on the teachers of the classroom.

The outline of my research plan is as follows:

Before Research Begins:

ð     Discuss research plan with owner for the school

ð     Meet with teacher(s) of chosen classroom to conduct pre-research questionnaire

ð     Assess classroom environment

ð     Reconstruct classroom environment, with the help of the teacher(s)

ð     Assess classroom schedule

ð     Reconstruct classroom schedule, with the help of the teacher(s)

ð     Assess classroom materials (books, art materials, dress-up clothing, etc.)

ð     Reconstruct classroom materials, with the help of the teacher(s)

ð     Assess classroom display (artwork, pictures, etc.)

ð     Reconstruct classroom display, with the help of the teacher(s)

ð     Assess curriculum activities

ð     8 activities planned per day (include one “Tolerance” activity, written by researcher to implement during observation)

ð     Notify families of intent to conduct research in child’s classroom environment

ð     Host “Information” Meeting for families, who wish to learn more or have questions about the study

ð     Meet with teachers to discuss schedule for observations and any family questions or concerns

During the Research Period:

ð     Conduct classroom observations during “circle time,” “free-play,” and “outdoor play,” each week (3 times per week / 45 minutes)

ð     Film / Record “free play” activities to transcribe and assess language used during interest center activities

ð     Meet with teacher(s) once a week to discuss observations, journal notes, and recordings

To Do:

ð     Questionnaire for teachers (before study begins)

ð     Map of classroom environment

ð     Sample schedule for classroom routine

ð     List of books to purchase / check-out for duration of study

ð     List of materials needed for purchase / donations for duration of study

ð     Search for gender neutral pictures, print, laminate, and post in classroom

ð     Write “Tolerance” activities for classroom curriculum (1 per day for 5 weeks)

ð     Draft letter of intent for families

ð     Plan “information” meeting for families

ð     Gather resource materials for hand-outs

ð     Plan schedule for observations

ð     Purchase voice recorder

ð     Purchase journals for teacher(s)

I am hoping that everything will be finalized and I can turn in the IRB Application and Informed Consent forms by the end of next week!

Until then, I will be BUSY trying to find relevant literature to my "new" topic and "catching up" with all of you!

Wish my LUCK!