Action Research final reflection

The final thing we looked at in the course was different ways to asses the quality of our research from Dana (2009).  There are four indicators that assess the quality of your research. The first is Context of Study.  This indicator has the researcher look at what context their study will take place in (p. 179).  When I look at my action research plan, I need to consider the context of study.  My teaching setting is at as Residential Treatment Center.  These students will have different issues from the regular classroom.  I need to understand that students bring in many issues to the classroom and I need to have an aspect of my study that asks the question what was bothering you before you came into class.  The second is Wondering and Purpose.  This indicator seeks to find the root of your question (p. 180).  Why do I want to research this topic and what is its purpose?  I asked myself this question and answered that this is important to instruction and student success.  The third indicator is Principal Research Design.  This indicator collects research from multiple sources (p.181).  My research plan called for just my data in my classroom.  My study could be improved if I asked other teachers to complete the same study and compile the results.  Indicator number four is Principal-Researcher Learning. This indicator seeks to make sure all statements are supported by data (p. 182).  If I claim that my research is successful, what data backs up my statement?  This will improve my research because I will use the data to make my statements about my research, even if the data is not what I expected.  The final indicator is Implications for Practice.  This indicator talks about what changes will be put into practice after my research is finished.  For example, if the trouble shooter form is ineffective, what practices will be put into place to fix it?  By asking myself these questions, I will be able to improve the quality of my action research plan.

Reference:

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action      researcher.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Action Research Week Four Reflection

In week four of Action Research, we had to research three strategies for implementing change from Harris (2009).  I learned from this reading seven steps to conduct a Force Field Analysis.  These steps include, “describing the situation and how you want to change it, what will happen if no change occurs, identify the forces driving and resisting the change, determining if change is viable and what is needed to implement the change” (p. 95).  I learned the Delphi Method is a good way to get multiple perspectives on an issue.  When a problem arises, a leader will ask the members of the group to identify possible solutions to the issue.  When responses are collected, the leader summarizes the responses and distributes them to the group.  The group can then add or amend ideas and resubmit them.  The leader then re-summarizes the results and has the group rank the solutions to the issue (p. 96).  I learned that this is a five step process done in small group or faculty meetings.  The leader asks the group to write down problems or issues with the topic with no discussion. Then, the group breaks up into smaller groups and shares their issues.  The leader then writes these issues down and asks the group to rate the problems (p. 96).  This seems very similar to the Delphi Method with the ranking system.  I could use Nominal Group Technique to identify the behavioral issues that disrupt class the most.                 

Reference:

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2009).  Examining what we do to improve our schools: 9 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.

Action Research Plan and Reflection on Week 3

This week in EDLD 5301 Research, we developed an action research plan.  My plan is to see how the process of using a trouble shooter form impacts student behavior and disruptions in the classroom.  This week was helpful in identifying the steps necessary to complete the action research plan.

Action Research Project Plan

Goal:  To see how the process of using a trouble shooter form impacts student behavior and disruptions in the classroom.

Action Step(s)	Person(s) Responsible	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Setting the Foundation: Identifying the research question and proposing the plan for research.	Robinson, Site Supervisor	Start: August 22nd End: August  26th	Meetings with Site Supervisor.	Completion of the draft topic and plan.
2. Analyzing the Data: Review of existing literature to identify effective action research plans.	Robinson	Start: August 26th End: September 2nd	Text: Leading with Passion and Knowledge and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools.	Examples and strategies are found.
3. Developing Deeper Understanding: Determine which of the identified strategies can be implemented in my school environment.	Robinson	Start: September 6th  End: September 16th.	Text: Leading with Passion and Knowledge and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools.	Pros and Cons identified and each identified strategy is considered.
4. Engaging in Self-Reflection: Using blog posts to reflect on questions that arise surrounding the question and results during the research process	Robinson	Start: August 22nd End: October 7th	Blog site.	Regular reflection postings to my blog.
5. Exploring Programmatic Patterns: Discuss action research strategies with supervisor.  Compile information on student outbursts.	Robinson, Site Supervisor	Start: September 6th End: October 7th	Meetings with Site Supervisor.	Continue to meet with Site Supervisor.  Conduct research on student disruptions.
6. Determining Direction: Research question is clear? Strategies to be used are agreed upon? Time for training sessions is available? Valid surveys and data collection methods have been chosen to determine effectiveness of trouble shooter form.	Self, Site Supervisor	Start: September 5th End: September 16th.	Form to tally student disruptions in each class..	Total disruptions in a two week period.
7. Taking Action for School Improvement: Implementation of trouble shooter form.  Formative evaluation of effectiveness of form. Summative evaluation of the project and results.	Robinson	Start: September 16th End: September 30th	Trouble shooter form.  Form to tally student disruptions in each class.	Total disruptions in a two week period with the trouble shooter form.
8. Sustain Improvement: Share results with faculty, professors, and classmates. Continue to use trouble shooter form if successful.  Consider revision of form if unsuccessful.	Robinson	Start: October 3rd End: October 7th.	None	Compare the two results from before and after the trouble shooter form to see if student disruptions increased, decreased, or stayed the same.

Reflection on week two of EDLD 5301 Research

This week in Research, we looked at three interviews with administrators on action research.  They gave examples of research in their schools.  Dr. Johnny Briseno, the principal of Rancho Isabella Elementary in Angleton ISD, explained the significance of data in research.  We also looked at the nine passions that drive your journey as an educator.  In all the nine passion areas, action research will aid administrators in their goals of improving their schools and communities.  Finally, this week I learned about what action research I will complete for my internship.  We have just implemented a form called a “trouble shooter.”  This form replaces the traditional referral and is an attempt to kept students in class and gain a commitment from them regarding their behavior.  I would like to research is how effective our new trouble shooter form is at deterring disruptive behavior.   

Reflection on Action Research

Action research is a method of inquiry which involves an administrator or principal in the research.  This is different from traditional research because the administrator actively participates in the research.  Since the administrator is involved in the process, the research is more likely to be personalized to the school.  The results from the research are directly applicable to the school or district in which the study was completed.  Action research is also an important tool for change.  If there is something that needs to change, the administrator is more likely to implement that change if they were involved in the process of completing the research.

Action research also offers the researcher opportunities to expand on their original question.  After reflecting on the results, the administrator can take action and then follow up with additional questions that arise because of the research.  This allows for further development of the research.

   

 I believe that an action research study would be extremely beneficial in addressing issues that schools face.  An administrator can actively guide the research to be tailored to their particular campus and students.  The results of the research can show how widespread the problem is at their school.  The administrator can then take action to correct the problem based on data.

How Educational Leaders Might use Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs in many ways.  First, blogging allows the teacher to communicate with parents, administrators, and the community.  If you have a class blog, you can tell about them about exciting learning going on in your class.  Students can post to the blog sharing their experiences as well.  Secondly, blogging can increase collaboration between colleagues.  The administrator or teacher can post projects to share with others or results of action research.  Collaborators can comment on blog posts providing feedback. 

What I learned about myself from this course

I learned many things from this course. First, I learned a few things about myself.  I thought there was some technology that was too advanced for me.  I was comfortable with what I knew and didn’t want to attempt something new.  Now that I was motivated to create things like a website and a blog, I found that I was capable of learning and succeeding in a Technology course.  I found that I am a very structured person.  I don’t like it when I post something on my website and it doesn’t look exactly the same as before.  I was really annoyed with the discussion board and when I went to indent a new paragraph, it just skipped a line and wouldn’t indent.  I learned that I am reliable and always strive to follow the rules.  I can have fun with my friends, but I am serious with my duties.  When asked to do something, I enjoy step-by-step instructions and dislike when I have to wing it.