Module 3

Module 3 spent a lot of time on action research.  Obviously, the Mertler (2012) book is about action research, but the Phillips (2008) reading for this module also focused on the importance and implementation of action research.

Phillips (2008) introduces the idea of action research this week.  He says that the difference between doing a quasi-research and action research is the formal procedure that one must use in the action research (p. 317).  Phillips (2008) goes into great detail regarding action research.  Although the Mertler (2012) readings from previous weeks introduced me to action research, the Phillips (2008) reading is music specific.  I really appreciated how Phillips used published articles in music education as an example of music action research.  Phillips (2008) also provided excerpts to explain how to know when the research is considered “good” research.  This reading also provided a listing of music journals that can be consulted for further study of specific research areas in music.

Mertler (2012) is, as already known, speaking about action research in this week’s reading.  His book goes into great detail about each of the sections in action research.  This week focused on planning for the action research.  Mertler’s (2012) reading for this week gave details regarding identifying a topic, gathering preliminary information, and reviewing related literature.  This helped with the discussion for this week since we had to identify two possible research topics.  I really appreciate how Mertler (2012) not only goes into detail, but also utilizes numerous charts, tables, and bold-faced words.  These prove very effective is gathering my attention as I am reading.  Not only does he go into written detail regarding searchable databases for research, he provides screen shots to actually show the reader what they will be looking at as they conduct a search.  Mertler (2012) also emphasizes how important literature reviews are in the process of determining whether or not the research is relevant to the topic at hand, and provides clear instructions on how to complete the literature review.

Both readings were very relevant to module 3’s work, as the information was needed to complete the discussion, as well as the scavenger hunt.  I used both of these resources to complete the scavenger hunt, which proved to be a very time-consuming project.  It was rather difficult in the beginning to get acquainted with the different formats of the databases, but I feel much more confident (although not 100%) in my ability to find research now.  The brochures and video clips were also useful in helping to use the UF library catalog.