5301 Week 5 Reflection

I feel that I have been introduced to the great learning, reflecting, and change - inducing tool that is action research through EDLD 5301. When I first saw that I would be taking a research class, I thought I would be writing yet another essay full of academic references that would never be used. I could not be more wrong! I have since learned that action research is “a process of engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry” (Dana, 2009, p.2) Action inquiry differs from traditional research in that the researcher is able to contribute ideas at the end and make suggestions based on data that bring forth change.  Action research projects become useful tools for solving problems and making improvements in the educational setting.      Inquiry is important to the professional growth of an educator.  In this course I learned that inquiry does not have to be a separate and time -consuming activity.  Inquiry is most meaningful and effective when the educator is answering questions that directly affect their context.  Educators need to make inquiry an ongoing activity.  One suggestion Dana (2009) makes in her book is to collect articles or data of interest and schedule a time for reflection.      The first step of action research is to find a wondering.  Chapter 2 of the Dana text was an excellent help in providing nine suggestions for inquiry questions. Not only did this chapter discuss such issues as staff development and school performance, it also gave several examples of how questions should be written in an actual research plan. I decided to focus on the area of social justice for my area of research.  Using this chapter  as a guide and my classmates in the discussion boards as a sounding board, I chose to study cyberbullying.      After choosing my topic, I learning the process of planning for my action research. I used the 7.1 template from the Harris text (p. 85)  to organize my goals and actions. I had to think critically about how I wanted to achieve the end results of my study and the steps to get there. I also needed resources to support my activities and means of evaluating them for effectiveness.     I learned the most in this class through the process of planning my action plan and reviewing those of others. When I was finished typing my plan, I posted it to my blog.  I enjoyed reading others’ plans and making comments. I think we truly do learn better from others.  Next, I showed my plan to my site mentor. She was pleased at how I had thought out every step of my plan.      After planning for action, we studied ways for sustaining improvement.   Some of the techniques studied were force field analysis, Delphi method, nominal group technique, and the care model. (Harris et al, pgs. 94-97). Reading about these methods has reinforced how important working collaboratively is in effective research.      I am excited to put my plans and learning into action. I cannot wait to find out how the data supports my wonderings about cyberbullying.  I will share my results and suggestions, as well as any wonderings that emerge from the data collected. Resources:      Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge:  The principal as action Researcher.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools.  Eye on Education Press.