During
this course, I have learned a lot of information regarding to action research.
Prior to this course I had no idea that action research differed from
traditional research. I simply thought research was research However, this
action research project will reveal a great deal of information on the topic I’ve
chosen to do my research over. I am very happy that I was introduced to this
type of research because it will be in my best interest to follow this plan in
order to gain information on my topic.
One
of the highlights for me during this course was the required videos during week
two. Dr. Chargois gave some very insightful information about action research.
He gave examples of previous action research within his district. Also, Dr.
Chargois discussed affective and ineffective teachers. Throughout the
interview, it was very apparent that Dr. Chargois’s main goal was to increase
student performance. As which every educator should have the same. I completely
agree this. There was a bit of information that I took from Dr. Chargois that I
will not forget. Dr. Chargois stated, “As a teacher, you should never stop
growing. If you’re green then you’re growing. If you’re brown then you’re
dying.” I want to continue to grow within my career. This is my reason for
currently being in grad school. There is always room to grow and I want to take
advantage of the opportunity and excel in all ways possible.
Johnny
Briseno also shared some very insightful information for future principals. Mr.
Briseno stated, “Anytime a teacher approaches me with a problem, I look at the
facts. What is their home like? How is the environment?” This will definitely
help me once I become a principal because I am new to this and hearing the
information from an established administrator helps with my learning. Briseno
also suggested that if a principal is faced with an issue for the first time
and is unsure of how to handle the issue, they should research how other
districts have handled the same issue. Research how it was handled and the
outcome of the situation. This will help the principal to make a decision by
seeing how others have handled the situation. This piece of information will be
very beneficial to me. I will be faced with issues that I’ve never faced before
and I will research to see how other principals have dealt with the same issue.
The
required assignments during this course were helpful as well. Creating my
action research plan and going over it with my principal helped me a lot. I was
able to share my ideas with my principal, which is also my site supervisor, and
he shared his ideas with me. He did not require any changes to my action research
plan. He was very pleased with my work and is excited about my action research
project. He also informed me of our district policies regarding to the topic I’ve
chosen for my action research project.
The discussion
questions and blogs that were required are a great way for communication. Since
this is an online class and we can’t just turn to our neighbor and ask a question.
The discussion questions allowed me to see everyone’s thoughts about the
required topic and I was able to comment on my colleagues’ responses as well.
The blogs were similar and were another great way to communicate with
colleagues. The best part about the blogs is that I can follow others.
Therefore, I’ve decided to follow those who have the same topic of interest as
I do. That way we can share and discuss our action research projects.
I also enjoyed the web conferences. Dr. Abshire was very good at
answering all questions and making sure that everyone felt comfortable in the
class. Communication is very important in an online class and it worked very
well in this class. This was my second class here at Lamar and I have enjoyed
it. Also, I am going to use all of the information I’ve gained during the class
to further my learning as I continue this leadership program.
