I
dreaded taking EDLD 5301 Action Research, because I have such terrible memories
of research during college. Obviously, I
had no idea what action research was, and it turned out to not be at all what I
expected. I actually enjoyed bouncing
inquiry ideas around with my site supervisor, and creating a step-by-step plan
on the template. When I presented my final
plan she quickly approved it and offered me some of her own references.
Each
week I would watch the video(s), read the required passages, check facebook for
strategies, and then begin my assignments.
I am sure I could have completed this course without facebook, but that piece
of my weekly protocol gave me great insight into this course and into what I
feel was the most important thing that I learned during these past five weeks.
I
learned that action research involved intentionally pursuing research in an
area that interests me and impacts my students and my school. I learned that reflection is a key component
of action research, and it should be practiced until it becomes a habit. I learned that all site supervisors are
different, and it is crucial to pursue good communication in your relationship
with your mentor. I learned that I am capable of blogging, which is something
that I had never considered doing before.
But, the most important thing I learned is how much an action research
plan benefits from sharing ideas and opinions with peers, and that brings me
back to my facebook comment. I believe I have learned more through facebook
statuses, discussion threads, blogging, and reading and rereading comments than
the actual course texts. I think that looking through the lens of each individual
inquiry, we were able to offer specific, usable advice and receive relevant
feedback on our plans.
In
conclusion, after I overcame my aversion to research and educated myself on
action research, I really had fun with this class. Mostly, I am thankful to have the rest of you
soon-to-be administrators along for the ride on this journey through
educational administration.
Tammy, I am feeling the same way you are about the blogging. I am not much for writing. Both the blog and Facebook has helped clarify expectations of the class and the amount of information shared is great. I feel there is a support system for success because of the online communication.
ReplyDeleteThe blogging didn't bother me, but the ARP was NOT something that I wanted to do. Once I sat down and really started working on it, however, it just flowed with no problem. The texts for this class were great also. I rather enjoyed having a book that was practical and not so much theoretical. EDLD 5301 will be integral in the canon of our coursework as we move forward I am rather sure. I hope that you have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment! I always enjoy them, and you have such a way with words. I hope your semester is great as well. I'm sure I can't imagine this course load with teaching, let alone coaching. Be blessed in that!
DeleteTammy- I think we are all glad that this course is over. We all need to remember that just because the class is over the research must continue! Blogging has been such a great tool. I think it has also brought some classmates closer together as we all work together. Have a great school year, work hard on your research and enjoy this journey of working on your master's degree. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for always commenting and being such a positive force in our group. I heard this one was the hardest, but the last two weeks have been very do-able. Be blessed as you start this new school year!
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