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.