Catherine Jones: What do I mean by 'action research'? Reflecting on the potential for improving own practice, experimenting and trying new ideas, reflecting on and evaluating the impact of new ideas, adjusting own practice and repeating the process as necessary. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring an individual entails providing them with professional support to achieve their goals; guiding their thinking about their practice with open, probing questions; conducting structured yet flexible meetings and helping focus the nature of their professional practice/research project. What are my expectations of my research mentor? Encouragement, a shoulder to cry on if necessary, a professional friend, supportive, knowledgeable. Time line for my research? Beginning action research within the classroom in the week commencing 04/07/05 - possibly for a fortnight. How does this impact on my chosen research project? It has meant I will involve the pupils more in the process of research. I am still considering how to measure improvement. What is the focus of my own research? My project is about improving pupils' independent writing of science coursework. How do I intend to start my research project?

Melanie George What do I mean by 'action research'? It is practical research. It is conducted and designed by practitioners to improve their own practice. It begins by identifying a problem/area for improvement, hypothesising a solution, testing it out and evaluating the process. How is action research influencing my own enquiry? Finding out more about action research has helped me realise that my research will not only help my teaching, but it will work alongside things I already do. It has made e focus my chosen area an d begin to think about how I am going to achieve it. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring is a process in which a mentee is guided by a specialist/expert to improve their practice. The mentors' role is to direct enquiry, question and encourage the mentee rather than dictate what should/must be done. Mentoring should aim to be a two-way process. What are my expectations of my mentor? * To question what I am doing. * To suggest ideas/directions. * Encourage and support. Time-line for my research project? Now - half-term: Literature review, prepare questionnaires/data collection, prepare appropriate techniques for a sequence of lessons. After half-term: collect data June/July: analyse data/evaluate and write up. What is the focus of my own research?

Karen Roper What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is when an individual researches a point of interest in a practical, self-reflective way in order to improve his or her own practice. The emphasis must be placed on improvement rather than researching for researching's sake. How is action research influencing my own enquiry? To date, I have discussed my enquiry with my mentors and through probing questions, my focus has changed. Through discussion and self-reflection I have realised that the focus must be very succinct. I have now decided to focus tightly on an area concerned with boys in dance. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring is a process between two people or a wider group of people where the 'expert' divulges information and works towards helping the mentee to reach their full potential. It is definately a two-way process. My expectations of my mentor would be to listen to my concerns and questions in order to progress my action research project. Time-line for my research project? I will plan to start collecting data after this half-term. I will engage with selected pupils the week beginning 6th June and and I aim to write my report to be handed in mid-late July. What is the focus of my own research?

Sarah Moore What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is a practical way of looking at your own practice and evaluating it. Through this evaluation, you are able to reflect on what you do and seek ways to improve on it. How is action research influencing my own enquiry? Action research has influenced my thoughts on my project as it has forced me to address my weaknesses and focus on areas I would like to improve. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring is process whereby somebody in a position of experience counsels or guide an inexperienced person to prepare them for independent work. A mentor can be anyone - as a teacher we mentor pupils. In my role as a head of department I mentor NQTs and PGCE students. Time-line for my research project? What is the focus of my own research?

Andy Foster What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is collaborative enquiry by teachers. It is designed and conducted by the practitioners themselves and is systematic and reflective. It' a chance to think creatively and ask the right questions to ask in order to improve the teaching and learning in your classroom. How is action research influencing my own enquiry? It's more enjoyable this way, because I am free to use any part of my school experience to inform my enquiry. It is collaborative so I can share ideas with my professional colleagues from my school and discuss ideas to refocus my research. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? on-the-job training which allows the mentee to develop their skills and abilities to realise their potential. The mentor listens to the mentee and encourages the mentee to find their own solutions to problems. I think the model of mentoring relating to competences would initially be the most useful with input from the mentor on action research skills. Then after a few meetings I would be confident to move to a model of mentoring as co-enquiry. Time-line for my research project? - complete report for TIPD (Special Schools Trust) by 26/05/05 - questionnaires to year 10 students by 09/06/05 - video diary with 3 researchers 17/06/05 - interviews with year 10 students by 17/06/05 observe drama lessons by 17/06/05 - plan lessons to teach year 10 by 17/06/05 - teach lessons 06/07/05 and 07/07/05 - evaluation of lesson 08/07/05 - interviews by 08/07/05 What is the focus of my own research?

Anthony Douglas What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is 1 squared interpersonal, intra-personal, investigative and improvement Action research is a means to improve both group and individual teaching by considered investigation i.e. measurement of performance by reflective questioning. What do I mean by 'mentoring'? It reminds me of two coffee cups ... Time-line of my research project? What is the focus of my own research?

Angus Lafferty What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research differs from traditional research in that your own fndings and the local situation carry a much greater influence and relevance as compared with research that largely involves acknolwledging and comparing the published works of others. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? A form of 'human sounding board' where the mentee consults someone with the expectation of gaining new 'insights' while contuing to retain ownership of the 'subject' being discussed. Time-line of my research project? What is the focus of my own research?

Trust, progress and focus Katie Austin What do I mean by 'action research'? Evaluating your own practice in a reflective and organised manner to improve the teaching and learning of pupils, to ensure the progress of the self, department, school and community. It involves asking the right questions and answering them. How does action research influence my enquiry? I reflect on my own practice as a teacher and why I do the job I do - the way forward for the class I teach. I hope to improve their knowledge through challenge using different medium. 'An original touch'. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring reminds me of the tortoise symbolising trust, progress and focus and the hare - symbolising challenge - telling the tortoise to 'Go for it!' Mentoring is listening to the mentee and trusting each other to make a focus and progress. Mentors must be firm but fair and help the mentee to move from past to present, evaluating knowledge and findings. mentoring must be a two-way process where both parties discuss and can feel they are contributing and working towards the end goal. As a novice in this area of 'teacher as researcher' I would appreciate a mentor who would assist and encourage me to achieve my objectives. I help to have in-depth discussions in which we would form a co-enquiry. How will I undertake my research project?Time-line? 1. Questionnaire - what is 'challenge'? Ask pupils to share their ideas on what it means to be challenged. 2. Lessons - plan 4 challenging lessons using different media. 3. Medium - use different types over 4 lessons and evaluate each to show pupils' reaction, engagement and how to improve lessons. 4. Observe my mentor teach in order to offer feedback and support. She will observe me. 5. Complete Spidergram on-line over half-term. 6. Reading - read through and highlight important sections over half-term. What is the focus of my own research? How can I improve challenge through different media for year 7 history - particularly for girls? This is part of the Department's development and I also want to boost the enjoyment and participation of girls in history.

Paul Davis What do I mean by 'action research'? Improving your teaching and understanding of teaching by asking questions which can be answered through your own practice of teaching. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Providing support and encouragement by: 1) being used as a sounding board for ideas 2) asking questions which will help clarify or expand on existing ideas. 3) helping somebody outgrow their original ideas. Time-line of my research project? What is the focus of my own research?

Rachele Morse What do I mean by 'action research'? I believe that action research s developed from a desire to improve an area of current practice. It is done within the context of daily work, using my own teaching as the stimulus and context for research. Action research is a self-centred and evaluative approach to improving my practice, which would result in higher quality teaching and learning. It is an organic and generative process and gives rise to new concepts and approaches. How will action research influence my enquiry? Action research will allow me to use approaches which are both self-reflective and grounded in individual pupils' needs. It allows me to adapt methods of teaching to what I find to be effective. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring is an on-going process of support and advice that is primarily conditioned by the needs of the mentee. The mentor would provide by giving a structured approach to support but be prepared to adapt according to progress made or obstacles encountered. Ideally, the mentor/mentee relationship would be based on professional trust and confidence, otherwise the mentor risks being perceived as unapproachable. * I would like my mentor to give reassurance that my ideas are sensible and valid. * My mentor would provide a boost to my confidence when needed. * I think it's important to have a 'listening ear' so that I can 'sound off' suggestions in their basic form to help me formulate my ideas. * Maybe my mentor could observe my teaching to help evaluate my starting point/progress. Time-line of my research project? - the next 3-4 weeks: possibly think up tho the end of term for a completed project. 4 lessons a week. - to be attempted during the current scheme of work rather than waiting until a new one begins. What is the focus of my own research?

Karly Hume What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is a cyclical tool that allows for constant self-evaluation of my own practice, leading to continues improvement of the teaching and learning of students within my classroom. I hope by using action research I can improve the creativity and therefore independent thinking of the Year 10 students whilst they undertake GCSE coursework in science. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? I expect my mentor to: - be a sounding board - to question me and allow me to clarify my ow thoughts - to give constructive criticism Time-line for completion of my research project: end of term ... What is the focus of my own research?

Alison Larrett What do I mean by 'action research'? Observe > Reflect > Experiment/Research > Improve/evaluate I consider action research to be a process of looking at my own practice and using reflective thinking to identify why lessons succeed and fail. Through action research I aim to improve the learning experience for myself, my pupils, the department and the wider school community, through increased reflection and mutual understanding. I hope through carrying out research pupils I teach will feel their opinion is valued and used constructively as a means of actively improving my teaching. Focus: Independence and creativity Why?: I have noticed year 7 are scared to be creative. I want to make pupils independent musicians who are not afraid to experiment - all the best musicians can experiment to compose, improvise and perform. How am I going to start?: Musical cliches' project. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Mentoring is the process of mutual reflection and discussion during which both parties work together to meet a common aim. Time-line of my research project? Musical cliches project after half-term. Interview people about creativity over half-term (focus groups) Revise how I taught it last time. Apply he focus group results. Revise ideas and activities for improvement - scheme of work. Video a series of lessons - compare.

Claire Perrett What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is looking at how I can improve my own practice and use this to benefit and develop myself and my pupils and eventually the whole school community. Action research will impact on my chosen research project by allowing me to use my research into the delivery of transition units to improve my understanding of transition from numeracy to mathematics. This will then impact on how I teach year 7 pupils when they arrive in September. Research Mentoring: is listening to others while using questioning to allow mentees to open up and reflect then refine what it is they are researching. The difference between research mentoring and other mentoring forms is that you get the same rigorous treatment in return. I expect my mentor to listen to me and provide me with constructive criticism and advice. Time-line for my research Between 25/05/05 and 10/06/05 I will write down my thoughts, expectations and ideas. Week commencing 13/06/05 and week commencing 20/06/05 I will carry out research in local feeder schools. Autumn half-term I will finish collecting data and write up my research.

Debra Baynath What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is a form of self-reflection which leads to How can I improve my teaching to improve the learning of others? What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? To support, listen and develop the learning of a mentee. Mentor - a supportive, listening and critical friend. Time-line for my research project? Present time > November for my project with KS4 students to be completed. June: Visiting gallery, introducing project to students. July/August: Research September/October: Developing work November: Exhibition What is the focus of my own research?

Donna Chipping What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is a self reflective programme which has benefits for all members of the school community. It is an evaluative process which is completed, evaluated, changed and begun all over again. Action research is practical research that is conducted by practitioners already working in a role where the research is taking place. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? ... is a two way process between two parties - the mentor and the mentee. This partnership should be built on mutual respect and trust. The mentor should provide a framework for open discussion and advice. The framework would be flexible and meet the needs of the mentee addressing ever changing issues, problems or successes that occur. Time-line for my research project? I am due to start teaching the unit on tourism after half-term, week beginning 5th June 2005. I expect to have this project written up in rough by September 2005! What is the focus of my own research? I hope that I am able to use action research to improve the Year 8 unit of work on Tourism to meet the different learning styles of the pupils in my top set class.

Oisin O'Meara What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is about evaluating current practice and defining any areas of fault or areas for possible improvement. It is also about implementing positive changes and evaluating their effectiveness. It is an on-going process which may be continuous throughout my career. Current practice leads to What is wrong with it leads to How might it be improved? leads to Experiment with ideas leads to Evaluate effectiveness leads to Keeping good and rejecting bad practice leads to Starting the process again. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Finding out what someone wants to do, know and how they wan t to do it. leading to ... Questioning them to find out if what they are doing matches what they want to do. leading to ... Helping to steer them onto the path they want by defining their ideas and methods. leading to ... Giving a positive, objective and fluid feedback. What are my expectations of a research mentor? Observations of lessons and plans Co-analysis of data Assistance with the direction of research Time-line of my research project? Finished by the end of term What is the focus of my own research?

Darren Frampton What do I mean by 'action research'? My idea of action research involves: Thinking about where I am leading to Checking to see where I actually am leading to Thinking about what I would like to do better leading to Thinking about how I would like to do it leading to Trying it leading to Seeing if it works The whole process involves letting anyone else know - who wants to - and staring afresh with my action research approach once I see if something works. What do I mean by 'mentoring'? Finding out about how someone thinks they are getting on leading to Finding out if that IS how they are getting on leading to Celebrating the good things they are doing and agreeing the lost important items for development leading to agreeing a simple and demonstrable way forward with clear, achievable targets - demonstrating if necessary leading to Giving the mentee an opportunity to demonstrate what they have picked up The process then revisits Agreeing the most important item for development ... Time-line and detail of my research project? Questionnaire - Did you enjoy the lesson? What are the key words you used in the lesson? SATs? Neutralisation? Hopefully be the end of term What is the focus of my own research?

Kerry Lord What do I mean by 'action research'? This means looking at my own practice and investigating ways in which I can improve and in turn this will benefit other memebrs of the Department and pupils in my class. I think action research will influence me through research mentoring - which entails listening to other's ideas, sharing ideas, suggesting ideas and research methods, encouraging and inspiring motivation. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? ... is when two people or a small group can get together to support each other in their research. This support is given by listening to each other's ideas and sharing ideas - and suggesting other possible ideas. Mentoring is about encouraging one another in a non-threatening way. The model for research mentoring is co-enquiry. I think it is because it is not about one person telling the other what to do - it IS about where both people are benefitting from the experience. To gain the most from mentoring, I need my mentor to assist me with knowledge. Being a Maths teacher it's nice to have a mentor from another department who has different ideas and knowledge. As a teacher-researcher the co-enquiry maths is most beneficial to me because giving my suggestions, ideas and opinions helps me with my own enquiry. Time-line for my research project? To have all my evidence in by the 6 weeks' holiday so I can look at others' research and similar to mine and see if it agrees etc. What is the focus of my own research?

Jo Tracey What do I mean by 'action research'? Action research is an active process that starts with yourself as the teacher and goes on to affect those around you - including the pupils, department and school as a whole. It is a process that enables me to reflect on my own practice and improve my own teaching and learning and (hopefully) those around me. It is influencing me through knowing this is a reflective process for myself, th pupils and colleagues. Therefore, it is something I am doing not just for myself;f. It is building on techniques established during my PGCE training and therefore improving myself as a teacher and learner. What do I mean by 'research mentoring'? Research mentoring is a co-enquiry process which allows both of us to gain something from it. You get different ideas form different departments that may work or not - that you haven't considered previously. You are encouraging one another to test things out - What was good or bad? Should I do it? We look at what we have found out - we share ideas. We ask What techniques have you used? Did they work? How can we improve? and we question our values by asking Why are you doing this? It's about motivation and encouragement. MENTOR (Person A) <> MENTEE (Person B) Time-line for my research project? 1) Questionnaire and interview before half-term to inform planning 2) By three weeks into half term have all practical elements in the classroom completed > evidence collated > reflections 3) Write up by the end of term What is the focus of my own research?