National Evaluation Series (NES) Assessment of Professional Knowledge Practice Test

What type of research is Ms. Belgard engaging in when collecting data on Socratic discussions?

1. Action research

2. Reflective journal

3. Observation

4. Professional learning community

The correct answer is: Action research

Ms. Belgard is engaging in action research when collecting data on Socratic discussions. This type of research is characterized by a systematic approach to inquiry, where practitioners reflect on their practices and assess their effectiveness in real-time settings. By collecting data on Socratic discussions, Ms. Belgard aims to improve her teaching strategies and understand the impact of these discussions on student learning outcomes. Action research is often conducted by educators who want to evaluate and modify their teaching methods based on the data collected and the subsequent analysis. This proactive approach not only facilitates personal and professional growth but also contributes to the broader educational community by sharing findings that may help improve practices across different teaching environments. In contrast, the other options would not fully encapsulate the nature of Ms. Belgard's research. A reflective journal is a personal tool used for introspection rather than systematic data collection and analysis. Observation, while a key component of many research methods, is more focused on gathering information over a fixed timeframe without the intent to adapt practices based on those observations. A professional learning community refers to a group of educators collaborating to enhance their teaching skills, which may incorporate research but does not specifically denote the act of research itself. Thus, action research accurately represents the systematic and reflective approach