• Chris C.
• Andrew
• Roberta
• Doug

Gerald - Leader

• Ashleigh
• Matt
• Jack
• Joe

• Christie

• Henry
• Kay

• Yvonne

7:25

Read thoroughly Chapters 1-2 in Mills (Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher). Refer specifically to pages 6, 10,15, 19-20, and 26-27 to guide your tasks tonight.

7:25 - 7:50 Leaders need to facilitate in selecting a recorder for the group.

Create a list of at least five likely areas of focus. Each participant should provide at least one area of focus statement for the group to critique. Recall that the area of focus needs to be a general idea that refers to a "state of affairs or situation" and is linked to an action (p. 26).

7:50 - 8:10

In your groups, discuss each area of focus statement. Refine the statements by asking questions or giving suggestions. Each statement must contain the following criteria (p. 27).

An area of focus statement should:

1. involve teaching and learning;
2. be something within your locus of control;
3. be something you feel passionate about; and
4. be something you would like to change or improve.

Some excellent examples of critical questions are located on pages 28-29 of Mills: "Gaining Insight into Your Area of Focus Through Descriptive Activities".  Your group might consider modifying these and applying them to your likely areas of focus. 

8:10 Search for possible references.

Use the Internet and conduct a search for possible resources that will support your rationale and/or review of the literature for each area of focus. A good place to start is the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) on the web. Most resources you locate through ERIC will be abstracts.Soon, you will need to acquire the full text version by visiting the CSUS library or by ordering the document from ERIC.

8:30 Take a break.

8:40 - 9:30  In preparation for the final discussions tonight, check the remainder of the agenda for the evening.