Action Research Design Outline
What is the topic of your action research?
My action research topic focuses on integrating e-portfolios into the classroom to enhance student self-accountability and creativity. "ePortfolios can help learners develop new or deeper learning, which results in higher grades, and a better sense of themselves as students and as individuals" (University of Waterloo 2025). As technology continues to replace traditional paper and pencil methods, e-portfolios offer a transformative approach to learning. They have the potential to redefine how students engage with content, reflect on their progress, and showcase their growth through the use of digital tools.
What is the purpose of your study?
The purpose of my study is to gradually transition from traditional paper-and-pencil methods to the integration of technology in the classroom. Implementing e-portfolios will not only promote student accountability but also foster creativity, as students take ownership of designing and developing their own digital portfolios. This approach encourages self reflection, allowing students to track their growth over time. Additionally, e-portfolios can serve as a powerful tool for communication between students, teachers, and parents by showcasing student progress and achievements in a meaningful way.
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What is your fundamental research question?
In what ways will embedding e-portfolios increase student engagement and accountability throughout their high school career?
What is your research design? Qualitative, quantitative both (mixed-methods) Why?
I will be using both qualitative and quantitative methods in my research. Combining these approaches will provide a comprehensive analysis, allowing me to examine multiple aspects of the study from both statistical and experiential perspectives.
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​By choosing both qualitative and quantitative designs, we can better understand whether the current program is effectively supporting students and utilizing resources efficiently.
What is the most appropriate type of data to collect?
The key data to collect include surveys, checks for understanding, and quantitative results to identify areas where students may be struggling with the material. The surveys will provide insight into students' feelings about the topics being taught, helping to determine whether additional spiraling or reteaching is necessary to ensure full comprehension.
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For checks for understanding, I will analyze both open-ended and multiple-choice questions to identify any common patterns in what students are missing across the board. This analysis will help pinpoint specific concepts or skills that need further attention. By identifying trends in student responses, I can adjust instruction and provide targeted support to address these gaps more effectively.
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Finally, for the small group of students who are struggling with the same topics, targeted small group sessions will be conducted to address and correct any misconceptions about the material being taught in the classroom.
What types of measurement instruments will you use?
I will be collecting both quantitative and qualitative methods for the appropriate data to collect.
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The quantitative method will allow me to analyze student scores and identify patterns or commonalities across different individuals. This data will be valuable for grouping students, identifying areas for reteaching, and implementing spiraling techniques to reinforce concepts. By tracking progress over time, I can tailor instruction to meet the specific needs of each student. Additionally, this method will help in evaluating the effectiveness of different teaching strategies, providing a clearer picture of what works best for student learning.
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The qualitative method will help assess the quality of the e-portfolios and enable students to gain clarity and accountability in their own work. Through reflective feedback, students will be able to recognize areas of strength and areas for improvement. Additionally, this approach will foster a deeper sense of ownership, encouraging students to take pride in their progress and learning journey.
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What is the focus of your literature review?
My literature review will focus on whether incorporating e-portfolios into the classroom can enhance student success and foster greater accountability. It will explore how e-portfolios encourage students to take ownership of their learning and track their progress over time. Research shows that e-portfolios give students a space to reflect on their growth, develop self-awareness, and connect classroom learning to real-world goals (Ayaz, 2022; Harrison, 2023). Additionally, the review will examine how this digital tool can promote creativity, self-reflection, and engagement in the learning process.
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The research study will include the following:
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The benefits of creating e-Portfolio's
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What students skills gain by creating an e-Portfolio
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What e-portfolios can do for the integration and use of technology in the classroom.
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Instructional and communicative use in the classroom
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