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===Welcome to the EDB 601 WIki Research Text. On the following pages you will be constructing a basic research text that will help you develop your own research project. Each of the section contains headings and subheadings designed to provide overall guidance to the creation of the text. In addition, short parenthetical directions can be found at the beginning of each major section to assist you in thinking about the appropriate information that should be inserted.===

Wiki Text Basics
In order to access the various "chapters" of the wiki research text, you will need to click on the **Manage Space** link at the bottom of this page. This will direct you to a new page with various options, what you want to look for is the **List Pages** link and click on it. This will direct you to a list of all the chapters for the wiki research text. Only the "current" chapter (as listed in the syllabus) will be available for you to add your comments or to edit. To add text to the chapter, click on the **Edit This Page** button. Simply type what you wish to add, or delete what you feel should be deleted, and then click on the **Save** button. Your changes will then become part of the continuing "text" that is developed by the class.

Wiki Research Text Guidelines
This task is designed to help you integrate the material from the readings through the development of a research “textbook.” There are six chapters that address the major topics of the course, with each of the chapters further divided into specific sections representing essential elements of the chapter’s focus. The completion of the text is “scheduled” to coincide with the “deadlines” for each part of the research project, thus the idea is to enhance your understanding of the readings and how they relate to writing a research proposal or conducting an action research project. Additionally, this is a collaborative project to be completed by the class, highlighting the fact that research is not the enterprise of solitary individuals. The outcome of this project is the creation of a “textbook” that would be helpful to future students enrolled in an educational research course. Consequently, the product is not intended to be at the level of a “scholarly” work; however, it needs accurately reflect information regarding the process of designing (and thinking about) research methodology in appropriate contexts and language. Thus, you should think of this text as a reliable and valid “how-to” guide for students of educational research. How does this work? Here is the general description: Each student is expected to contribute the equivalent of one paragraph (approximately 100 words) to each chapter. This may be as a single paragraph or it can be several sentences entered throughout the chapter. In addition, each student is expected to make at least one comment per chapter. The comment is to be posted to the discussion for each page noting the rationale for the addition and/or changes to the text. Now for the specifics: Individual contributions to the chapter must be based on or related to the course readings, course notes, powerpoints or your own research project work. In the case that you make reference to the course readings, if it is appropriate citations should be included; citations are not necessary if the reference is to the course notes or the powerpoints. When referring to your own research project work, this make take various forms: 1) you may cite information resulting from your literature review, in which case you should provide appropriate citation; 2) you may – and are encouraged where appropriate – use examples from your own research design; 3) you may refer to results of your action research project – if applicable; or 4) you may refer to personal experience with the process of developing your research project. If you do refer to your own project, be careful not to make generalizations or state unsupported opinions – this may generate unwanted comments from your collaborators or your instructor J! In that vein, always remember that this is a collegial project: respect the thoughts of your peers, if you disagree, you may enter a comment, but do so in a professional manner. About the entries: Essentially, you are creating a textbook, thus entries should follow the logic of the section being “written” in a clear, grammatically correct manner. As well, because of the nature of this assignment, you will need to state your own thoughts and ideas, that is to say, adding text such as “good idea” or “I agree” are not acceptable. Rather, you will need to extend the “conversation” or thought addressed by your collaborators. Due to the nature of the wiki space, you may “edit” previous work of your peers, or “add on” to their sentences, if appropriate. It may also be the case that you can provide an additional “example” or provide actual “data” or findings to support others’ statements. This may be especially true for those who are conducting an action research project. In terms of the comments, these should be thought of as questions about the meaning of a particular “text” or as feedback your peers can use in understanding the “final” copy. Thus, if significant “editorial” changes are made to the ext, the rationale for the change should be posted in the wiki discussion section. Again, comments should provide thoughtful information, as noted above. Finally, this should be viewed (insofar as possible) as a “fun” exercise in the sense of thinking about research in a meaningful yet creative fashion. This is an opportunity to consider the important elements of research design and methodology, how you are applying them, and then to communicate that in a relevant and understandable text oriented toward your peers. In addition, this should be integrated with your thinking and work on the research project, and thus aid in the development of that assignment as well.