Significance and uncertainty as part of my theory of action

As part of my action research project, I created a graphic reconstruction of my theory of action. In the next step of determining research questions I first determined the significance of the different aspects and relationships of my theory of action. Those are visualized below, with an S showing a significant aspect or relationship.



The second walkthrough determined my confidence in the assumptions of my theory of action. Those are visualized below, with a U showing that I am relatively uncertain about the aspect or relationship.

Graphic reconstruction of action research plan for revision instruction

Priority pie for action research project

For my students to take time to revise their writing before submitting a final version, they will need direct instruction and feedback from me. I must teach them how to reflect on their writing. I must teach them to understand the prompt. I must teach them to recognize and construct a logical argument. I must teach them to write clearly.

The most critical element is being able to construct an argument. But because my issue is with revision, this presents a problem as constructing an argument is necessary to write the first draft. It’s a critical skill, and for revision it’s necessary because students will need to be able to identify a poorly constructed argument in order to correct it. I really should increase the importance of reflective writing, as it is most relevant to my achievement target. The two most important skills I want students to have through this process are constructing an argument and writing clearly. That’s worth two-thirds of their time.