A brief summary of what I've learned in class the past five weeks.

In considering the things I have learned in the previous five weeks I find that learning what action research is as well as the difference between action research and traditional research has been of paramount importance to me.  My previous areas of study in psychology, and biology; both which emphasize traditional research has given me an almost one sided, university type model of research.  On top of that, my last eight years of teaching have been directly involved in teaching the process of the scientific method to students a very traditional approach to research so it has been a refreshing change to learn a different style of research that is applicable to my present position and future position. The books for this course, Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools Harris, Edmonson, and Combs (2010), and The Principal as Action Researcher, Nancy Fichtman Dana, 2009 were instrumental in my learning and I will certainly keep them near my desk for easy reference in the future.

The assignments were each interesting as well, and helped me to develop a deeper understanding of the concepts of action research.  I especially enjoyed the videos in week number two of which Dr. Chargois of Beaumont ISD described how a principal, school, supervisor, or even an outside entity who wants to bring in a project, or a curriculum that would they believe would have an impact on a subgroup does it in his district. He described how those that the school district believes will improve an area in their system are generally approved as long as they meet certain guidelines established by the administration. In another video, Dr. Lewis of Pasadena ISD stated that he felt it was very important for a person to be able to look at research others have done and be able to dissect it and take the pieces that apply to them and be able put those things into practice in their field. From both of these scholars I learned of the importance in today’s education system of the use of data.  From research, and collection of data to the extraction, analysis, and implementation of successful projects to the dissemination of information, that data is the new driving force behind education in the current paradigm we work in.  It is important not only as an educator, but especially as an educational leader for me to be able to work with and use data effectively.

As in my previous class, the discussion board has proved invaluable for learning about other students projects as well as giving and receiving feedback from them.  Peer learning has great benefits, not only to give and receive information from people who are in similar circumstances as yourself, but also to receive differing ideas from others who have a different take on a situation or dilemma.  The blog is similarly effective in reaching out to disseminate information, but in also receiving information from various sources that you may not have access to in ones own circle of friends and coworkers.  I am very excited about blogging and am looking forward to not only following but also to having other follow me in my journey towards gaining a masters degree.

During the previous five weeks, I have gained a working understanding of what action research requires.  Every aspect of this class has been beneficial to me, but especially the weekly assignments, videos and both textbooks have been instrumental in helping me to develop my action research plan with my site supervisor.  During the last two or three weeks, my excitement has been building and I am looking forward to beginning the implementation of my action research plan to focus on the benefits of using an instant response system to gauge learning in the 6^th grade science classroom.  This class has lead me to create a plan that many other teachers in my district will benefit from and I am excited to see it through and share my results.

Thus far, my action research plan remains unchanged from the post last week. The one thing that has changed is my job and title, I have been given the position of Counselor/Interventionist for Pringle Morse CISD. I am excited about the new assignment, and am looking forward to the challenges which lay ahead for me.

This study will focus on the benefits of using a instant response system to gauge learning in the 6th grade science classroom.

Statement:

How will using a clicker system to gauge the level of understanding of newly presented material impact knowledge level of 6th grade science students and teacher proficiency of time and resources.

•           Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation

To gauge how many of the students understand new material.

To gauge the depth of understanding among students.

To use the feedback to answer any unresolved questions the students may be having.

To gauge the effectiveness of the method of presentation and to have a better idea of where remediation is needed, and where different teaching methods need to be implemented.

•           Activities designed to achieve the objectives

The primary activity is to develop TEKS based questions with STARR level rigor that will be inserted at various intervals in lessons that the students will answer with their clickers.  The program provides instant feedback to the teacher and the class, as the teacher sees fit, as to who and how many students answered correctly.

•           Resources and research tools needed for data gathering

For initial research the internet will be used as well as educational and other peer reviewed journal articles that research such questions.

The instant response system and student feedback will be the ultimate source of data to be considered in the process of this study.

•           Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities

This study will be conducted over the period of the first semester of school 2012, August through December.

•           Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan

As the classroom teacher I will be responsible for the implementation of this action research plan.

•           Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives

The data will be collected and in the program itself, as well as charted by me according to each lesson so that those that are more successful than others can be seen.  This will be accomplished through the CPI program and on an Xcel spreadsheet as well as a journal kept by me.

•           Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study

In addition the above stated data will be cross referenced with daily bell ringers as well as the unit test for each unit.

My Action Research Plan

Action Research Plan

This study will focus on the benefits of using a instant response system to gauge learning in the 6^th grade science classroom. 

Statement:

How will using a clicker system to gauge the level of understanding of newly presented material impact knowledge level of 6^th grade science students and teacher proficiency of time and resources.

•           Goals and objectives/outcomes of the research investigation

To gauge how many of the students understand new material.

To gauge the depth of understanding among students.

To use the feedback to answer any unresolved questions the students may be having.

To gauge the effectiveness of the method of presentation and to have a better idea of where remediation is needed, and where different teaching methods need to be implemented.

•           Activities designed to achieve the objectives

The primary activity is to develop TEKS based questions with STARR level rigor that will be inserted at various intervals in lessons that the students will answer with their clickers.  The program provides instant feedback to the teacher and the class, as the teacher sees fit, as to who and how many students answered correctly.

•           Resources and research tools needed for data gathering

For initial research the internet will be used as well as educational and other peer reviewed journal articles that research such questions.

The instant response system and student feedback will be the ultimate source of data to be considered in the process of this study.

•           Draft timeline for completion or implementation of activities

This study will be conducted over the period of the first semester of school 2012, August through December.

•           Persons responsible for implementation of the action research plan

As the classroom teacher I will be responsible for the implementation of this action research plan.

•           Process for monitoring the achievement of goals and objectives

The data will be collected and in the program itself, as well as charted by me according to each lesson so that those that are more successful than others can be seen.  This will be accomplished through the CPI program and on an Xcel spreadsheet as well as a journal kept by me.

•           Assessment instrument(s) to evaluate the effectiveness of the action research study

In addition the above stated data will be cross referenced with daily bell ringers as well as the unit test for each unit.

Speaking of action research I have narrowed my plan down to the following I wonder how a more fully developed use of an instant response system in my science classroom will improve student learning. I hope that by using the clickers to evaluate learning of newly introduced material will give me better feedback as to the understanding that the students have.  I also plan to use them more fully to evaluate specific learning objectives that need to be improved upon.  I look forward to doing more research in this area and seeing how it works out. If anyone has any further experience or suggestions please feel free to let me know. 

ACTION RESEARCH

For the past few weeks I have been learning about a process called action research.  Dana (2009) and Ringler (2007) describe action research as the process whereby a teacher, principal or superintendent, individually or together take time to reflect on their practice in their particular field and decide on a "wondering" or a question about an area in their field of responsibility which could use improvement.  The then define and refine the question so that it is manageable, and open ended so that it may be answered in a way which will be defined by researching possible solutions to the problem and settling on an appropriate course of action. 

After resting on a good question or “wondering”, research is done to identify possible courses of action to take in resolving the question at hand.  This step is necessary because it opens the researcher up to new ideas that he or she may not have come up with on their own.  It also connects them to others in their field who have faced the same problem and also leads one to better collaborative decisions.  

After sifting through the various options, a plan of action is then engaged by them personally in their classroom or administrative duties.  Upon completion, time is taken to reflect on the action research project and decide if it has been a successful endeavor. Then, of course, one needs to share the experience, their research, with others so that they may learn.

HOW AN EDUCATIONAL LEADER MIGHT USE A BLOG

I believe that blogs can be an important part of an educational leader’s routine.  Blogging gives a person to the opportunity to set their ideas before a larger audience.  When I write on my blog, people who are next door, or thousands of miles away can instantly read my thoughts on any particular subject that I may be blogging about. 

In public education in the United States, we each have our own unique state requirements as well as district requirements but all of us are bound by federal requirements which, for the most part, drive education.  This is a venue whereby we as educators can support each other and learn from each other by creating a community that is not bound by distance, states or local districts. Blogs are a forum where likeminded individuals can come together to share ideas, support others, and collaborate in an effort to become better leaders.

Ringler, M. (2007) Action Research an Effective Instructional Leadership Skill for Future Public School Leaders. Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 4(1), 27-42.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Chapter 1 Administrator Inquiry Defined. Leading With Passion and     Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher, Kindle Locations 247-757. Corwin Press. [Kindle Edition]