I really didn’t know what to expect from this class
and I didn’t really know that principals conduct action research. I learned the
difference between types of research and which one was relevant to educators. I
now understand that action research is important to administrators and their
campuses. As in the text, action research usually refers to research intended
to bring about change of some kind. (Dana, 2009)
As a
teacher I always had questions about how to make my teaching better. I now
realize that at some times I have been doing action research. I think about my
concerns and look for data and analyze it on how I can use it to make changes
to help my students. I know that I will be able to use the action research process
because it is done to improve issues that I am concerned about. Many ways that I
can research is by collecting information that will assist me in what I want to
know. I have learned about websites like ACDS that have articles written by
others and gain some insight in their findings, but by me having input I can
apply it better to my situation. Action research is also a way of self
development you will continue to learn new things as you go.
I have always enjoyed researching, but I genuinely
enjoyed talking with my administrators and evaluating a topic that was relevant
to our campus. I think that I have learned many aspects about conducting the
research and the tools that will assist me in making it successful. I feel that
I have been well equipped with information after reading the assigned texts and
watching the videos.
Being able to see so many examples about how
research is done by principals has opened my eyes about they go about improving
different areas and concerns that they may have.
What I really found helpful were the tools like the
templates, the collection strategies and also the various ways about sharing my
work after the initial research is finished. I really think that I have thought
out my action research plan and have aligned it with concerns that are relevant
to what I am doing at my campus and my campus will benefit from the research.
