The MAT degree program is designed to strengthen teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, to foster ongoing reflective practice, and to encourage participation in professional communities.  In fulfillment of these goals, each MAT candidate will engage in ongoing research about their practice and contribute to the knowledge in the profession by disseminating their findings.  The research project is designed to enable evaluation of the candidate’s knowledge of general educational foundations and specialized knowledge, and the student’s ability to apply this knowledge to classroom applications.  Completion of the action research project will demonstrate the candidate’s knowledge of research procedures and conventions, as well as his/her ability to communicate adequately.

The required elements of the action research project include:

• A comprehensive literature review of the research topic;
• A coherent research design;
• Data collection documenting student learning;
• Data analysis;
• Evidence of change of practice;
• Submission for refereed presentation and/or publication.