As I reflect back on my experience in EDLD 5301
Research, I have, to my surprise, gained so much useful insight and knowledge
on action research. The hands on approach has been awesome! Prior to the
start of this course, I was not entirely sure what action research was so
initially hearing the word "research" I was left feeling uneasy to
say the least. I definitely did not know the difference between action
research and traditional research. After taking this course, I enthusiastically
look forward to conducting my action research and sharing my findings at
project conclusion. My views on research have been turned completely upside
down thanks to the readings,
books, lectures, assignments, discussion forums, and blogs. I feel confident now. It is clear that if you want
to see change then you must take action and carry out action research.
This course caused me to recognize
the value in sharing information and experiences with my classmates. This class
allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone with regard to technology. I am
not tech savvy nor am I very involved with social media. The discussion board
was extremely beneficial. Dr. Abshire forced us to create a blog site so that
we could communicate to one another and provide each other with immediate
feedback; comments; different perspectives; exchanges of ideas; suggestions/recommendations for changes that needed to be made on our action
research projects; and plain motivation because we all needed it at some point
throughout this course. The use of the blogs work well. They serve as a journal or log of our journey through the process. This
collaboration was an integral part in each of our successes during this class. What I love the most about the blogs that we
created is that it brought to my attention all of the other action research
studies that are well underway. I look forward to following quite a few of them
that interest me for they might be successful at my school. I love that informal environment. I am considering
implementing blogging in my Algebra I lab classes. I know it will be a useful
tool to my future as an educator and an administrator.
Another highlight of this class is the importance of reflection. The Martin text stresses how essential reflection is to an action researcher throughout the research process since it allows for a deeper level of understanding to take place.
I also enjoyed the readings that were included with this course. The two books we used, "Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as an Action Researcher" by Nancy Fichtman Dana and "Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action" by Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmondson, and Julie Combs both aligned really well with this course and contained a wealth of information significant to action research. For me, however, "The Dana Text" was a more interesting read.
In conclusion, I have found this course to be helpful and relevant to my professional career. I have really enjoyed my journey and learned a lot from it. I am reminded of what Lou Holtz, NCAA Football and NFL head coach, stated in Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action. He said, “We aren’t where we want to be, we aren’t where we ought to be, but thank goodness, we aren’t where we used to be” (Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010, p. 1) This statement reflects my feelings about carrying out action research after completing this course. As I begin my journey with my action research project, I am more knowledgeable and more passionate about doing action research. I know that the results of my action research will be beneficial to all stakeholders involved in the process. I look forward to the progress that comes with action research and the perpetual growth opportunities it provides for us as educators, principal-researchers, and future administrators.
References:
Another highlight of this class is the importance of reflection. The Martin text stresses how essential reflection is to an action researcher throughout the research process since it allows for a deeper level of understanding to take place.
I also enjoyed the readings that were included with this course. The two books we used, "Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as an Action Researcher" by Nancy Fichtman Dana and "Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps from Analysis to Action" by Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmondson, and Julie Combs both aligned really well with this course and contained a wealth of information significant to action research. For me, however, "The Dana Text" was a more interesting read.
In conclusion, I have found this course to be helpful and relevant to my professional career. I have really enjoyed my journey and learned a lot from it. I am reminded of what Lou Holtz, NCAA Football and NFL head coach, stated in Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action. He said, “We aren’t where we want to be, we aren’t where we ought to be, but thank goodness, we aren’t where we used to be” (Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010, p. 1) This statement reflects my feelings about carrying out action research after completing this course. As I begin my journey with my action research project, I am more knowledgeable and more passionate about doing action research. I know that the results of my action research will be beneficial to all stakeholders involved in the process. I look forward to the progress that comes with action research and the perpetual growth opportunities it provides for us as educators, principal-researchers, and future administrators.
References:
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading With
Passion and Knowledge: The Principal As Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks , CA
Harris, S., Edmonson, S., Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to
Action. 
I have to admit that I, too, held a misconception about this course before it started. I had no clue as to what action research was, either. I was wondering why I had to complete a course in research when I've already completed an M.A. in English. I felt I was well-versed in research, but to my chagrin I learned that I had much to learn.
ReplyDeleteI think that is the most important lesson I've taken from the course: being a lifelong learner and being the lead learner is the most important aspect of being and educational leader.
Thank you for sharing your reflection. You've given me more to think about.
I agree. This class has shown me what it takes to conduct research that will make a difference. As we continue through the program, I am sure the research process will become easier and we will be well prepared to lead campuses of our own some day. Like you said, being a lifelong learner is going to be the key to our future success.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you also about the Action Research Plan. It seemed very daunting in the beginning. The course walks you through each step though and makes it much more simple as you grow though it all. I get a lot of anxiety when each week starts but once I dig in it seems okay. Good luck to you and I look forward to following your progress each week to come!
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