Coming into the course, I was not sure what to expect, as I had previously had some experience with action research, but never really had understood the total dynamic of the process. As I worked through the materials, I found numerous items that were valuable, however, the most important elements that I found were influential in increasing my learning and interest in the course were the interviews of the 3 scholars we viewed on the courseware during week 2, and to hear them communicate first-hand about the depth, quality and emphasis they place on effective research in the educational system today.
Additionally, it was insightful to review the comments in the discussion forum from classmates, whether they were designed to provide support, question or recommend potential changes to the action research plan.
Certainly, we read some great material, and each of these texts we used will be part of my professional collection, and am tremendously glad that I purchased the texts in order to reference them later. I feel the most important element I pulled from the text was the information on the different research techniques, specifically the Force Field Analysis , which indicates “in order for changes to occur, the driving forces for the change must exceed the resisting forces against the change” (94) In my understanding, there must be a greater degree of support and materials that will provide cause for a larger amount of support, or force, to warrant change, lest the initiative is potentially doomed.
Secondly, the Delphi Method, which will assist in providing a “futuristic” (95) look at how changes and implemented plans will affect schools and their needs. Learning about both of these strategies was influential in some of the potential revisions that I may look at, and will shape the way I develop and implement the project moving forward.
The assignments were challenging, yet provided opportunities for me to demonstrate a strong practical understanding of the content, and the rubrics were helpful to ensure that I was shaping the assignment in such a way, leading to positive marks. I appreciated that they directly were connected to learning objectives, and did not seem like busy work, as has been the case in a couple of previous courses.
I thoroughly enjoyed getting the opportunity to utilize the blog again, and appreciated the opportunity to post my action research plan in a way that would solicit feedback from not only students in the course, but the course professors and those on my campus who have taken an interest in the project. It also has allowed me an opportunity to relay the information on the potential project to various stakeholders, who are impressed with the scope of the program and are eager to see it implemented and the data that will come!
In closing, I heard numerous comments from prior Partnership students about the dreadful Research course; however, I feel the course was most influential in assisting me to better understand a topic that is going to be at the forefront of the educational system and changes for years to come. The new format was inviting, supportive and educational. As I move forward, I feel action research is something I will get a better grasp of as I continue through the remainder of the program, and practice well beyond completion. I also feel that it is important for me to investigate professional growth opportunities that involve learning more about action research principles, and areas to improve in data collection, analysis and communicating with a variety of stakeholders.
The course has been enlightening and certainly one I will reflect on for years to come!
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