My reflection

Throughout this course, I have learned that action research can be used to improve classroom, campus, and even district achievement. I believe student achievement improves when learning environments are bettered. Action research is a tool that can be used in order to take practical inquiries from educators, research those inquiries, and use the data to enhance the learning environment.

During the first week of this course, I began watching the lecture video. Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins began explaining the process of action research, and what was expected. Dr. Arterbury suggested some tips to use when searching the literature and drafting my literature review summary. Those tips included staying on topic, creating a visual road map for the reader, beginning my outline with an introductory statement, understanding that general-to-specific flow works best, creating a varied blend in writing, and concluding with summary statements. As I progressed through the lectures during this course, they became more informative, and helped me feel at ease when creating my Action Research plan.

After watching the video lectures from the second week of this course, I was able to discern the difference between action research and traditional educational research. Action research can be tailor made to the needs of a specific classroom, campus, or even district, whereas traditional research tends to be more generalized. Dr. Kirk Lewis explained how action research should be performed on a topic that is of importance to you. He stated, “What is practical to you? What do you need to know in order to apply it directly to student learning in the environment you are looking at?” Someone’s traditional educational research may yield completely different results from action research of the same topic. I have learned that action research allows us to adapt and modify to our own needs within our classroom or school. What may work within one classroom, may not work within another.

Another important aspect of action research I have learned through this course is the importance of data. Johnny Briseno talked about the importance of data when he stated, “What is the problem, and where is the problem coming from?” Without accurate data, we are unable to determine the source of the problem. Action research allows the educator to collect data on a more personal level, and use that data to directly affect his/her own classroom.

The assignments and activities for this course were at times very frustrating and very time consuming. However, with the help and aide of the discussion board, I understood that I wasn’t alone in my frustration. The discussion board is truly a beneficial tool when working on assignments and activities. It allows for real-time feedback from other students in the class, and helps me to make positive and effective changes to my assignment or activity.

Another valuable tool that I will take away from this class is the idea of using a blog for professional reasons. I have a personal blog that I use to keep my friends and family members updated on the happenings in my life. I have never thought of using it as a means to disseminate information to students, parents, and colleagues. I look forward to using this tool in the upcoming year, and am curious about all the possible ways it can be utilized.

To be honest, I was a little apprehensive at the beginning of this course because of the word “research”. I have never really enjoyed traditional research, but have realized how advantageous action research can be. I now have the ability to determine inquiries that could positively affect the learning environment, as well as a plan of action to research those inquiries. I understand the importance of asking questions, and that when we ask those questions we are exploring new ideas on how to improve our schools.

Sitting down with my site supervisor

With school rapidly approaching, I took the time this week to sit down with my site supervisor and discuss my action research plan in detail. Several weeks ago, we agreed that an inquiry into the current campus tardy policy had the potential to benefit the entire school. After completing my draft action research plan, I was anxious to hear what my site supervisor thought. We discussed the timeline, and agreed that it would be beneficial to wait until the second six weeks to begin the process. The thought of starting a new school year, while adding more work to collaborating teachers was bothersome. This delay would also give us time to revise any potential problems with the action research plan, choose teachers who would supply us with the most accurate information, and educate those teachers on the specifics of the research plan. We also discussed the template that should be used for the teacher tardy logs and teacher journal entries. We agreed on a spreadsheet layout that would include all of the information needed, as well as provide the collaborating teachers the easiest way to input information on a daily basis. While discussing the importance of the student/teacher/administrator survey, we compiled a list of possible questions that could be included in that survey. We also decided that a survey on the concerns of the current tardy policy should be given to the entire faculty at the beginning of the research period, as well as a similar survey given to participating teachers at the end of research period. My site supervisor felt that the teachers involved in the research project might have a different opinion on the matter after spending six weeks focusing on the effects of the problem in their classroom. We also focused on trying to come up with a timeline following the six-week research period; including a timeline for evaluating qualitative data, analyzing quantitative data, and creating a proposal to change the current campus tardy policy. We desired to have the research project completed by the end of the third six weeks.

I feel that tardies affect so many secondary campuses, and I would love to have your input on how it affects your campus. I would also like to hear your thoughts and comments on my action research plan.