Week 2: Reflections

After completing this week I have decided upon my action research plan:  Will providing 8^th graders in math and science an Ipad improve school performance on state test, increase engagement, attendance and completing work in the classroom, all the while reducing discipline?  Honestly I am very nervous about  trying to complete the action research project and effectively implement iPads in my classroom and make sure my students are ready for the science STAAR test in April.  I have been looking at the research about students being digital learners and thinkers and I do not want to sound negative about technology but, I'm not exactly sold on the whole 21st century learner.  I do feel that technology is very important and extremely useful and needed in the classroom, but for me the idea of just throwing out the pens and paper is hard to grasp.  During the course of this week I have been flooded with thoughts, questions and ideas, and because of the action research design I have been journaling and reflecting on those thoughts.  It has been very helpful in getting me  more organized and ready.  I have even talked with my principal about staring a blog  page with my classes so they too can  reflect on class and gain new perspectives to the topics we are discussing from other students.  

What is Action

Action research was not a word that I was familiar with until taking EDLD 5301, a course devoted to developing principals to become action researchers.  I have gained valuable insight into the positive aspects of developing your own plan of action instead of adopting a plan created from someone “outside” the walls of the school or district.  I have learned that action research, much like the scientific method/process that I teach in class, helps you to identify your problem, gather and organize your data, create a plan, analyze results and make adjustments as needed. This process can be completed on your own, but greater gains can be met through the use of collaboration among  others. By collaborating with others you have increased the amount of experience and knowledge, and don't they say "two heads are better than one"?  Action research is a take charge approach to solving problems or issues concerning school improvement.  Allowing those who are inside facing the challenges daily help to develop a plan of action will create a sense of ownership and pride, developing a stronger sense of school community.  I look forward to developing my own action research plan to share with others on my campus so they too can see the value behind implementing this process.  I believe it will be a positive experience for me and prove to be very beneficial in my learning as well.

Blogging is a word that is not in my everyday life, until now.  I have been thinking about how to incorporate blogging into my classroom and on my campus.  I am thinking I can use this as a classroom teacher to communicate with my parents and students on a much broader spectrum.  I can blog about the activities from class, or upcoming information.  Parents and students can use the blog to post comments, questions or suggestions.  Parents at the middle school level express their concern for not knowing what is going on, feeling lost or in the dark about school matters.  Blogging would be a great way to open up the lines of communication between parents and teachers and creating a sense of togetherness.

References

Dana, N.F., (2009).  Leading with Passion and Knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools. Eye on Education Press.