Action+Research

**Introduction to __[|Action Research]__ **

It has happened many times. Alexis bursting with excitement comes over to the small-group instructional table to share the pattern she noticed in the book she was reading. How wonderful it is that she is engaged and excited about reading, judging by her pattern observation. Two options face the teacher: crush the excitement that Alexis has and turn her away from the instructional table or smile and share in the excitement through conversation. The student returns to her independent reading spot without sharing or acknowledging her thinking to minimize the disruption or enjoys the book with the teacher at the cost of precious small-group instructional time. Neither option leaves this teacher researcher feeling successful. To avoid such situations, I set out to explicitly introduce routines that would increase engagement in reading by building a sense of how reading independence looks and feels.

**Reflection **

Establishing and practicing the routine makes expectations more concrete to all students. The shift to “showing” students from “telling” students fosters clear understanding across content areas. In fact, I have found that instruction can not be too explicit. Throughout my action research project, I found Pearson and Gallagher’s gradual release of responsibility model (1983) particularly helpful in guiding me through the process of modeling the skill for students, scaffolding students at various levels during practice until the skill becomes independent.

Understandings Gained as a Result of Action Research: • Explicit Instruction in Self-Management Techniques Leads to Understanding and Independence • Structure the Day to Include More Engagement in Literacy, Offering the Potential for More Literacy Growth • <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Learn to Make a Mini-Lesson “Mini,” Yet Effective

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; font-size: 16px; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Administrator Standard #1; Content Guidelines G, H