Action Research Design Outline

I. What is the topic of your action research?
My action research is about looking at what happens when our school uses one single communication platform instead of several different apps. I want to see if putting everything in one place (School Sphere) helps families, teachers, and students stay more connected and cuts down on missed information.
 

II. What is the purpose of your study?

The purpose of this study is to see if using one single communication platform makes school messages easier to reach families, reduces missed information, and helps improve engagement for everyone involved. By looking at both the numbers and the personal experiences, the study will give practical evidence that can help school and district leaders decide whether a unified system is a more effective and family-friendly option.

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III. What is your research question?
How does implementing a single-platform communication system affect engagement, consistency, and accessibility of school communication for families, teachers, and students compared to using multiple tools?
 

IV. What is your research design (Qualitative, Quantitative, or Mixed Methods)?
Mixed Methods

          a. Why did you choose this design?
I went with a mixed-methods design because I need to see both sides of the story. The numbers will tell me things like how many messages are being opened, how quickly they’re read, and what people rate on surveys. But numbers alone don’t explain everything. That’s why I’ll also collect feedback from parents, teachers, and students through short surveys with open-ended questions and small group discussions.
 

This way, I can measure what’s happening while also hearing directly from the people using the system. The data shows me if communication is reaching more families, and the feedback helps me understand if the system feels clearer and easier to use. Together, that gives a stronger picture than either one alone.
 

V. What data will you collect?
Quantitative:

• Platform analytics (open/read rates, click-throughs, log-in frequency)

• Short surveys with Likert-scale items for families, teachers, and students

• Checklists for message timeliness and consistency

Qualitative:

• Focus group discussions with teachers and parents

• Open-ended survey questions

• Observation notes of communication practices in the classroom and at the campus level
   

VI. What types of measurement will you use?

• Quantitative: Descriptive statistics (percentages, averages) to summarize platform usage and survey results. Pre/post comparisons will be used when applicable.

• Qualitative: Thematic coding of focus groups, open-ended survey responses, and observation notes to identify recurring themes (clarity, accessibility, timeliness, satisfaction).

• Reflection: Continuous professional reflection, as recommended by Mertler (2019), to ensure that findings remain aligned to practice and instructional goals.
   

VII. What is the focus of your literature review?

My lit review is going to look at how schools use technology and communication to build better connections with families and students. A lot of research shows that good communication is tied straight to student success and engagement (Montgomery, 2005). But parents still run into barriers like time, access, or even language, which makes it hard for them to stay involved (Winnail et al., 2000; Phua et al., 2022). That’s why schools need tools that keep everything simple and in one place.
 

Another part will focus on tech and how it helps communication. Teachers with stronger ICT skills are more ready and willing to use digital tools, and that makes a difference in how they connect with families (Çogaltay et al., 2022; Zuhri et al., 2024). There’s also studies that show things like Facebook groups or instant messaging help with engagement and build community between students and teachers (Cunha et al., 2016; Tang & Hew, 2020). That connects directly to my idea that one platform can cut out the confusion of using too many apps.
 

The last part is about equity and inclusion. During COVID, schools saw how important it was to have simple digital systems so all families could stay in the loop (Phua et al., 2022; Schwarz, 2024). This ties back to my innovation plan since I’m pushing for a unified system that’s easier to use, more inclusive, and family-friendly.

So overall, the research shows the problem with scattered communication, but it also points to how one system could really improve engagement.
 

Audience
This study is written for district leaders, principals, and teachers who are looking for practical solutions to improve school-home communication. The findings will demonstrate whether a unified system can reduce confusion, increase engagement, and build stronger trust between schools and families.