Action Research was a term that was unfamiliar to me before this course. Five weeks later, I have not only learned about action research, but have embraced it and look forward to completing my first action research project. Several of the lectures, activities, readings as well as blog reflections and discussion posts have all contributed to my transformation into an action researcher.
Several highlights provided insight for me in regards to action research. One highlight was completing the Action Planning Template (Tool 7-1). The process of completing this template required me to think through my action research project in great detail and to designate specific information that will allow for a successful process in research. Reflecting on goals, resources, timelines, responsible persons, evaluation etc. provided valuable insight into my project.
Another highlight of this course was learning to create and post on a blog. The process of completing the blog assignments and posting my reflections on the blog have allowed me to reflect on my project on a regular basis. Writing my thoughts provides me a deeper reflection and understanding of the project and allows for others to provide useful feedback.
One major highlight occurred with a response to my week 1 discussion post. The response was from Pamela Huggins who is a Career Tech teacher. She noted similarities between fine arts courses and CTE courses in that both are non-core areas. She provided her thoughts concerning her subject in relation to my topic and how she thought it would also apply to fine arts. Pamela indicates that students are practicing listening skills, study habits, and meeting deadlines with many non-core classes. She also states “there are many areas that relate back to core subjects and testing that then when needed they can transfer that information to whatever subject it comes up in again.” From this comment, I decided to include research and literature on the transfer and application of fine arts courses to core classes. I also decided to include questions on my surveys that ask participants to describe how fine arts courses help students with skills related to learning. Both revisions to my research approach were as a result of the discussion post from Pamela. Her post was extremely helpful and provided reflection in an area that I had not previously considered.
Many of the required readings provided great insight, however one in particular was especially interesting and helpful to me in regards to action research. In her book “Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher”, Nancy Fitchman Dana facilitates the process of “Finding a Wondering” in Chapter 2 “Passions That Drive Your Journey”. The chapter outlines nine areas of passion where an administrator might find his or her first wondering. The chapter uses several examples to illustrate each passion. Each of the examples helped me to relate to the information by putting a face and scenario to the material. I really enjoyed this chapter and was able to better understand the process of developing your inquiry or wondering.
Finally, I really enjoyed the lecture that included interviews with three school leaders who use action research. The highlight of this lecture was the interview with Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent of the Pasadena Independent School District. Dr. Lewis details an action research project in his district that is funded by a Bill and Melinda Gates school improvement grant. The project is titled “Expectation Graduation”. This project was initially designed towards 9th graders to “get them in line and processed towards graduation”. The projects primary design is to change the way teachers deliver instruction to insure that students understanding at a deeper level. The project also focuses how the district can make core curriculum more rigorous. In the past, I often considered research as a process that was primarily practiced at the university level. Dr. Lewis helped to reinforce the idea that research is for all educators and not uncommon in many districts.
As many have mentioned on the discussion posts, this class was an unexpected pleasure. Many of us were anticipating a traditional research class and had preconceived ideas about the course. As we participated in the activities and lectures, we soon learned that research could be interesting and personal and could provide useful results that would provide a clear path for positive change in our own schools. I have learned how to be an action researcher and look forward to practicing action research for many years.
