As I reflect back on this course I realize that EDLD 5301 has opened my eyes to a whole new method of research. Before this class I had not even heard of “action research” and now I feel confident it is a task I can do successfully. The books, lectures, blogs, and discussion forums have been particularly helpful during the entire duration of the course and in my current action research. The structure of this course coupled with the sequence and pace are nicely designed. I look forward to utilizing action research in my classroom and on my campus when I become an administrator. The Dana text states that “Action research refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind.” As educators we are all about change. We work to change the curriculum, change test scores for the better, and change the future for our students. This course provided me with knowledge it takes to do action research. The hands on approach has been very beneficial. It is exciting, that because of this course, I have taken on a leadership role on campus and am doing research that will benefit my career now as well as in the future.
One of the many highlights of this course was getting the opportunity to work closely with administration on my campus and begin my very own action research. Together we built upon ideas I presented to reach a common topic for my action research. Through email and many face-to-face meetings, we ironed out the details and came to a consensus about the design of my plan. I also learned how action research is used on our campus in both an informal as well as a formal setting.
Narrowing down my action research topic was, by far, the hardest part of the course. There are so many avenues I felt I could take and it felt impossible to pick a few and then just one. Once we, my site supervisor and I, decided on final topic everything else fell into place. Figuring out the steps and creating my plan was easy once I knew what I wanted to research. Hands-down the most useful reading of the course was in the Dana text, chapter 2, The Passions That Drive Your Journey. This chapter was very enlightening. The nine passions helped me break down the components and directed me in finding areas of interest on my campus. There were so many things I was interested in but this chapter helped me focus on just one area. I was crossing into multiple passions, causing difficulty in simplifying the topic to research. The sample inquiry questions were very helpful and guiding.
The discussion board, weekly web-conferences and blogs were extremely beneficial in this course. I used all avenues to bounce ideas back and forth with others, clarify expectations, meet others in my cohort, tweak plans and learn how to better my research. During the web-conferences we could ask questions and get immediate feedback which was extremely helpful in this course. The blog and discussion board allowed for the same channels of discussion and sharing but at a slower pace. I enjoyed picking my classmates brains and seeing how they interpret or react to various topics. During the week 2 web-conference I was very unsure where to take my action research. After that hour I had several ideas to get my brain moving in the right direction. Dr. Abshire was able to quickly tell us if something could work or if we should go back to the drawing board. It was a comforting feeling after sharing to go into the week knowing we were moving forward in the right direction rather than spending that time on something that may not work.
The world of blogging has opened so many doors in this course as well as other aspects of my educational life. I have gained a wealth of information through sharing my blog and reading other blogs. In an instant I am connected to others with similar interests. I recognize the value in sharing information and and also experiences with my classmates. It is my intention to continue to read other blogs, comment and share my own discoveries. I also plan to do a mini action research into blogging in the classroom. If I build a blog for my students and parents, would they use it? By doing so, would they, my students and parents, be more involved and dialed into what is going on at school?
In closing, this course has been wonderful. I find that the readings, discussions and weekly assignments have been extremely relevant to my professional growth and future career. EDLD 5301 has enriched my professional outlook in numerous ways. Action research is a tool I feel is designed to help me move forward and grow as a teacher and professional.
