Action research was something new to
me at the beginning of this course, thus there were several highlights for me
along this 5 week course. Being an
online class I had to have a strong discipline to do all the desired work in a
timely manner. I did not have any
classmates to go to the library with or a professor I could personally talk to,
thus completing the assignments were key. There were highlights in the
lectures, readings, assignments, discussion board, and blogs.
Lectures were a highlight for me
because they helped me have a firm understanding of what was expected of me
throughout the week. Also, throughout
the lectures several questions about the assignments and trouble shooting the
assignments were key. Although at
times I did not want to watch the lectures or felt like it was five minutes I
could spend on something else I always forced myself to start each week by
starting the lectures. Thus,
lectures were the start of my week and helped me decide how to break up my week
and if I needed to schedule any interviews.
Readings were the heart
of this class. In all classes the
content is the key to be successful in the course and beyond. The readings led
me to have a firm grasp and understanding about what an action research plan
truly is. Also, the readings aided
me in creating my plan step by step. Throughout my readings what caught my
attention the most was in the Harris text when it discussed the strategies for sustaining improvement were very useful and
something I have not learned about previously as this is only my second year
teaching I have not thought a lot about how to improve my school, but rather
how to improve my classroom. My
favorite method and the one I feel I would use the most is the Delphi
Method. I think this is a great
way to get quick and easy feedback.
It also does it good job of showing the participants the other side to
the issue to ultimately sway their opinion. Ultimately, I feel that the readings were extremely valuable
to my learning throughout this course.
The assignments throughout
this course were valuable in the since it made me put the content/ readings
together and have a deeper meaning.
It forced me to truly analyze the text in a deeper way. The action research project alone
forced me to push myself to find the best research project for me and my school
that I am truly passionate about.
My goal is to make a difference for my students and improve their
learning to the highest levels it can be.
I am very anxious and excited to see what this next year will bring and
what my findings will show.
Lastly, I feel the most
valuable piece of this course has been the interactions between the discussion
boards and blogs. I have enjoyed
reading and learning about my fellow classmates action research plans. I feel that I have built a solid
relationship with a good amount of my classmates just by commenting back and
forth. I have felt that I have
been a value to my many of them by commenting on their blog and giving them
feedback just as they have helped me tremendously with mine. It is amazing how much I have learned
from my classmates who I have not meant in person. Their knowledge shines through with their comments and has
been greatly appreciated. I look
forward to seeing what they all learn and are able to find through their action
research plans as well. This
course has been a valuable course and I feel it was well worth my time and
money.
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