Final Reflections: Ready to Research

Week 5 Reflections

In week one, I learned about what action research was and how to begin asking questions to inquire about the topic I wanted to know.  I found out that action research focuses on the concerns of the practitioners. It promotes collaboration in investigating problems as they play a part by answering their own questions. Action research focuses on providing insight into administrative practices in efforts to improve or make a difference. Within week one, I learned a great deal of information about the importance of establishing a purpose and rationale for my action research plan as well as the many benefits. Action research allows for change by creating a focus on a particular need. Furthermore, it can be used for various measures such as evaluation, curriculum development, ongoing professional development, and planning. This research allows professionals to collaborate, become researchers, and life-long learners. Professionals are allowed to take action of what is going on directly in their schools and district. This type of research is not run by outsiders who are foreign to day to day school interactions. Action research helps improve the teaching and learning process. Administrators, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to engage in the inquiry process of posing questions, researching data, testing, and evaluating. In week two, I was able to begin mentally preparing my plan by hearing interviews from three notable men who went through the Lamar University program. This gave me many great insights on what I needed to concentrate on in planning my action research. The two men I discussed in my weekly blog were Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont Independent School District and Principal Briseno, Principal of Rancho Isabella Elementary of Angleton Independent School District. Principal Briseno emphasized the idea of being able to seek out the problem and the importance of backing up that research with facts and various data. He explained the importance of using confidentiality and connecting old research with new research.  Dr. Chargois explained how data can be used for many different reasons and counterparts. Also, we should use data to help increase student performance and help our students to become successful. Furthermore, I was able to uncover the passions that helped drive my thought process. In the Dana text, nine passions were discussed: staff development, curriculum development, individual teachers, individual students, school culture, leadership, management, school performance, and social justice. In week three, I was able to see my plan come together as I created a draft plan using the care model template. This template helped me think about various factors in my action research such as my goals, questions, needed resources, evaluation, and timeline. In week four, I believe I learned the most from my colleagues. I had many opportunities to reflect on the blogs and discussions of others. I was impressed by the plans and gained advice on what to look for and ways to improve my research. In week four, I also was able to meet with my site supervisor. I learned about the current technology programs the district offered, received revisions for any changes for my draft plan, and I was able to create my survey letter which is the first step in my action research plan. I gained valuable feedback and key things I needed to concentrate on in my research. Finally, this week I learned about the importance of having quality indicators that would help make my action research project successful. I realized why it is so important to have things such as a timeline and how this factor alone can shape a portion of your research.  These questions allowed me to think about final questions before going into my action research plan and reflecting on what I needed to pay close attention to such as my context and purpose. In the course, I enjoyed the support and feedback from my colleagues on the weekly discussion board as well as the blog.  I was able to gain insight from others and reflect on the plans of my action research plan. This gave me many ideas and allowed me to become a participant in my learning. I hope to continue posting information on my blog in order network and collaborate. The lectures of each professor gave a leading introduction into each week and prepared me for my assignment. The book entitled, Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher by Nancy Fichtman Dana gave clear guidelines as I stayed up-to-date with my readings.