Course Reflection: Action Research...Not so bad after all...

I will have to start off by stating that I honestly cannot believe I made it through these five weeks! AcTiOn rEsEaRcH…sounds scary! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this class.  Prior to this class, just the name of the class had me “wondering” and stressed.  I was honestly a bit “discouraged by the baggage that the term research” carried.  After reading the text and the first three weekly assignments I was impressed how much I had learned and how less stressful the last two weeks of assignments were. 

Action Research isn’t so bad after all. I have realized from the reading and lectures that it is needed and a must if wanted to improvement student achievement. Action research is an ongoing systematic study that allows one to self-reflect, evaluate and improve administrative practices. Engaging in this process can open the door; hand over the key allowing a principal to take charge of his/her own effective professional development.  Administrator Mark Bracewell shared a quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson, “what you do speaks so loudly that no one can hear what you say”(p.72).

I discovered how a good leader could transform through his or her work, but can also through the work of others. For instance, the three scholar videos we were asked to watch during week two. After viewing and reflecting each of the videos, each scholar seems to be very knowledgeable and passionate about their action research. The two I chose to reflect on were Dr. Johnny Briseno and Dr. Timothy Chargois. All three are similar in one way or another meaning, all believe that teachers must be lifelong learners, keep up with current best practices and hold student success/achievement first. As an educator, I feel that I’m learning everyday right along with my students and faculty members. Being in grad school this past few weeks has really helped me have a better understanding overall and have become more passionate about my career.

One of my favorite things about this class was the blog page and discussion board. This was a fabulous tool that really helped me get through this class. To be able to view, comment, learn from other colleague’s, critique and receive feedback was valuable.  Great way to prove that communication is the KEY!

In conclusion, I must say and admit that this class has been the most informative thus far.  This course has also taught me about how important “inquiry” and “reflection” can be.  Inquiry can help make informed decisions for improvement and change on campus and with student achievement. Reflecting and learning how to reflect is a perfect tool when making changes in the classroom and / or personal growth.  Many can learn a lot from just taking a few steps back and reflecting on what’s been done or what needs to be done.  Reflecting back on this course, I feel I am in the right direction with my action research plan.  I feel that just because this course is coming to an end……the inquiry process continues.

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

Harris, S., Edmondson, S., & Combs, J. (2009).  Examining what we do to improve our schools:  8 steps from analysis to action.  Larchmont, N.Y.:  Eye on Education