A key component of the M.A. coursework is an action research sequence consisting of three courses (9 credit hours) completed over the course of the candidates’ second year in the degree program. The courses are Educational Research and Methodology (summer enrollment) and Action Research I and II (Fall and Spring).

Educational Research and Methodology.  The research and methodology course provides an introduction to the processes and methods of educational research.  The course presents an overview of generally accepted procedures and standards for quantitative and qualitative research, examines various research methodologies, and explores generalizability, reliability, and internal and external validity as they relate to research design.  Students will complete a series of hands-on assignments designed to build familiarity with research methods and statistical techniques.  Students will become proficient with a functional, usable set of tools to conduct their own action-oriented inquiry in the settings and places that matter to them most.  The major emphasis of the course is the preparation of a research plan/proposal for self-directed research in the field.

Action Research in Catholic Schools I.  Action Research in Catholic Schools I presents concepts, methods, and strategies for conducting classroom-, school-, and parish-based strategic inquiry.  Students implement the research plan designed in EDU 73777, with a specific focus on statement of the research problem, literature review, research design, and data collection.

Action Research in Catholic Schools II.  The third phase of the action research sequence is devoted to analysis of findings, discussion of implications, and the formation of action steps based on the student’s inquiry.

Other Courses and Workshops

Adolescence (HDF 303)

Developmental Patterns of the Family (HDF 212)

Frabutt, J. M., & Jackson, D. T. (2006, April).  Do you know where your children are? What parents need to know about gangs.  Presented at the North Carolina Foster and Adoptive Parent Association’s 8th Annual Training Institute, Raleigh, NC.

Harvey, L. H., & Frabutt, J. M. (2005, October). Conducting strategic inquiry: The action research process. Training for Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Members and Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Staff, “Making Data Come Alive and Real,” Winston-Salem, NC.

Frabutt, J. M. (2005, August). Conducting strategic inquiry: Identifying research questions. Training for Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Members and Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Staff, “Making Data Come Alive and Real,” Winston-Salem, NC.

Harvey, L. H., & Frabutt, J. M. (2005, August). Understanding and interpreting data. Training for Juvenile Crime Prevention Council Members and Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Staff, “Making Data Come Alive and Real,” Winston-Salem, NC.

Frabutt, J. M., & Harvey, L. H.  (2005, January).  Data-driven research and community planning.  Community Justice Planning Training Workshop presented at the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission, Raleigh, NC.

Frabutt, J. M. (2005, January). Evaluating strategic interventions. Community Justice Planning Training Workshop presented at the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission, Raleigh, NC.

White, J. W., & Frabutt, J. M.  (2002, February). Coordinating services for at-risk youth:
Implications for schools.  Workshop presented at the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction’s Safe Schools Conference: Keys to Safe, Caring and Orderly Schools, Greensboro, NC.

Arbuckle, M. B., Frabutt, J. M., & Hold, D. (2002, July).  Building a system of care to address youth violence in a community.  Workshop presented at 2002 Training Institutes, Developing Local Systems of Care for Children and Adolescents with Emotional Disturbances and Their Families: Family Involvement and Cultural Competence, Washington, DC.

Frabutt, J. M.  (2003, April). Using research and data to guide Project Safe Neighborhoods in Durham, North Carolina.  Workshop presented at Project SAFE Durham Strategy Training, Durham, NC.

Frabutt, J. M. (2003, June). Roadrunner! The coyote’s after you!  The effects of television violence on children.” Workshop presented at Light the Spark, Ignite the Spirit: Training Conference for Foster and Adoptive Parents, Greensboro, NC.