Reflection on EDLD 5301 Research for Teachers
Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Arterbury’s lectures taught me what an action research project was because at the start of the course, I was dreading the well-known typical research project. I was pleasantly surprised after learning what an action research project was. I quickly learned the process and expectations of an action research project and began to get excited at the possibility of researching something I was passionate about.
Our readings provided some of the most valuable lessons I took away from this course. For example, the most important for me was the process of developing my inquiry for my action research project. Chapter 2 of the Dana text was very profound and instrumental in the development of my inquiry for my action research project. From the assigned reading of the Dana text, I developed a personal action research plan that I am passionate about and am excited to delve into. Chapter 2, The Passions that Drive Your Journey, did an incredible job of explaining the nine passions that drive researchers. I had not personally thought of these passions and how they could lead to the development of an action research project.
Chapter 5 of the Dana text provided a significant amount of information on blogs and their importance in the action research process. This chapter also stresses the importance of sharing information with others. I believe that the blog that Dr. Abshire required us to keep are significant because they show our reflections to the professor as well as our classmates and others following our action research projects. This blogs serve as a journal or log of our journey through the process. We can collaborate, share, and assist others through these blogs.
I also learned from the Martin text just how important reflections are to an action researcher. Reflections throughout the research process are essential. Reflecting on the development of the inquiry statement can help to further initiate other wonderings. Reflecting on the data research can help the researcher focus the project and to stay on schedule with data collection. Reflection on the analysis of the data is also valuable to make sure the data is valid, conclusive, and focused. Reflections throughout the process can also help the researcher make sure that the action research project is based on the researchers practice. The researcher can reflect on the initial plan and then make changes on the plan based on the literature and data collected. Then the researcher can reflect on the entire process as the research builds and make sure that they stay passionate about the inquiry and driven to complete the research to the highest standards with the most beneficial outcome. Reflections can also help others gain insight into the researcher’s wonderings, research, results, conclusions and experiences.
The final lesson I would like to discuss is the importance of collaboration and helping each other. Our professors stressed this importance and I now realize the value of their statements. I gained several points of view and suggestions from several of my class members. For example, Melissa McWherter suggested I do a pre-implementation survey before going forward with the implementation of my action research project. I thought this was an excellent suggestion because with the survey’s I can anticipate the problems and concerns of the teachers before we implement the changes on campus. This would help with teacher buy-in if they were personally invested in the project and they knew their opinions and concerns were considered and valued.
While I was originally dreading this class because of the stigma that is attached to a research class, I am now excited to develop the implementation and continue the research on my action research plan and inquiry. I hope that the plan I have developed in this class will benefit my school and possible other schools in similar situations.
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Martin, G. E., Wright, W. F., Danzig, A. B., Flanary, R. A. & Brown, F. (2005) School leadership internship: Developing, monitoring, and evaluating your leadership experience (2nd ed.). Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.
Quality Indicators
Context of Study
This quality indicator stresses how important background and surrounding information is in the action research inquiry. It is important to identify and be clear about the context of the inquiry. What are the characteristics of the school in which the inquiry is taking place? Who is participating in the research and what data do we know about them? What curriculum, culture, or vision is pertinent to the inquiry? What is the goal of the inquiry and where does the research come from? These are all important questions that I can ask as I complete my research inquiry.
Ensuring that I continually evaluate my context of study will help make sure that others will be able to understand why I began the research, how it applies to my specific situation, and how others might transfer some of the same information to their situations. If the context is clear and complete information is provided in the action research inquiry then others will be able to possibly apply the outcomes research to their own circumstances (Dana, 2009, p. 179-180).Wonderings(s) and Purpose
“Principal –researchers explain the root of their question(s)/wondering(s) in detail (Dana, 2009, p.180).” This quality indication is focusing on where the question originated and how it originated. Importance is placed on focusing the question on an administrator’s own practice. A principal-researcher should not be researching already known material and should not be researching for the benefit of others. The research inquiry should be “clearly articulated, free of educational jargon, focused inward, and open ended (Dana, 2009, p. 180.)”
This indicator will help me focus on my personal wondering and not others. It will prompt me to ask the necessary questions to keep my inquiry focused and appropriate to literature and other research in the same field. Answering the suggested questions in my research inquiry will reassure that I have provided enough information that others will understand what led me to the wondering or inquiry. Providing this information will help others understand what “tension, dilemma, issue, or problem of practice” let me to my inquiry (Dana, 2009, p. 180). This indicator will show others my determination and passion for my topic or interest and my wondering (Dana, 2009, p. 180-181).Principal Research Design (Data Collection and Data Analysis)
This quality indicator is stressing the validity of data collection and analysis. When conducting a research action project, it is imperative to use quality data. The researcher must explain what form of data was collected and used as well as how the researcher analyzed the data. The strategies for data collection and analysis must be thoroughly explained in the project and must be logical sources of data for the inquiry.
Evaluating my data collection sources as well as my data analysis strategies will help me focus on getting accurate, up-to-date, credible information. The suggested questions will help focus my efforts to collect valid and helpful information instead of fluff that is often found in sources today. The evaluation of my data collection and analysis will also help me to create a timeline of collection throughout the research project. This will help my project run smoothly and stay on schedule (Dana, 2009, p. 181-182).Principal-Researcher Learning
This indicator is stressing the importance of articulating the researchers learning. The researcher needs to provide statements and reflections about the action research project. Each statement needs to be supported with data and needs to be explained in detail. Conflicting arguments also may be presented but must be supported with data.
This inquiry will be the one that helps me to be most focused. By evaluating my learning throughout the project, I will focus on the facts and data driven conclusions. I will evaluate my personal reflections and make sure they are critical to my inquiry. I will also focus on relating all data, experiences, and readings to the action research project and process (Dana, 2009, 182-183).Implications for Practice
Evaluation my implications for practice will help evaluate the change that is possible with the outcome of the action research project. Detailing the changes that have or will take place is critical throughout the process. The changes should all be based on research and outcomes of the action research project.
As I complete the research project, I will keep a list of wonderings and questions that are triggered by my experiences, research, and literature. This will help me in the future with possible additional action research projects or wonderings (Dana, 2009, 183-184).Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Your insights are similar to mine. I too was surprised about this research class and am excited about researching a topic that relates to my campus' needs. This type of research is more relevant than traditional research. You have an elegant way of writing (I said the same thing, but I like how you wrote about your insights). Way to go!
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