During this first week of study, I have learned that action research is an engaging, interactive, continual, collaborative, and reflective process, and that it should be utilized as an instrument for both professional development and campus/district improvement. Unlike traditional research that requires the practitioner to take a backseat, administrative inquiry allows them to drive the research, taking a proactive rather than passive or reactive stance in addressing problems and issues on their campus. I’ve also learned that action research should be adaptable, continually modified by the practitioner to fit the situation as it changes or as new opportunities for growth arise.
Currently, as an Educational Technology Trainer, I could use action research to study the connection between the new technologies (projectors, interactive whiteboards, document cameras) recently implemented in the classrooms and student motivation, engagement in learning, and grades. It would be interesting to see what effect, if any, the technology has on teaching and learning. I also could use action research to examine the correlation between the quantity and quality of training teachers receive on the new equipment and their comfort level using the equipment. This could be measured through objective data such as time the equipment is used on a daily basis and subjective data such as teacher surveys.
When you stated that "I’ve also learned that action research should be adaptable, continually modified by the practitioner to fit the situation as it changes or as new opportunities for growth arise." I think you really hit on something big. Adapting solutions to fit your specific problems is one of the great strengths of action research. Also, the practitioner is able to capture problems and address them opportunistically rather than passively sit back and know something is wrong, it facilitates growth through realistic self appraisal. Great blog!
ReplyDeleteI think your idea for an action reseach project in which you incorporate your technology expertise is a great idea. It will be interesting to see if there is a correlation between the use of technology and student achievement. I especially liked the way you address teacher comfort levels with technology. There are many faculty members on our campus who are "old school" and are very reluctant to incorporate technology into their instruction. If this same fear is expressed by some of your staff members, I think that by reaching out to them and being willing to address their concerns would make them feel more comfortable. I believe open communication and two way dialogue is the key. I believe you would obtain some valuable feedback from a teacher survey.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of action research being a process that is revisited, its important to adapt and adjust. Getting input from "old school" teachers about new technology, via technology (i.e. blogging), would also make them more comfortable with using computers in their classrooms. Kudos to your district technology facilitator and to you for spreading the news!
ReplyDeleteAshley - coming from a district that is extremely progressive in their use of technology, I'd also be interested in the study of how various technological tools have increased student performance. We have a few teachers on my campus who are resistant to technology, as it's such a huge leap for them. I don't think, however, they realize how truly beneficial it is for our students, as they are more adept at technology that we are. This is focus of the future and the more we can do to prepare our students the better.
ReplyDeleteAshley- we are quite fortunate on our campus to have a wide variety of technology tools to enhance instruction. We are in the second year of our own technology initiative. Thus far, I recognize that there are only a handful of teachers that are actually comfortable in using much of the resources, even after extensive professional development and others who are entirely overwhelemed trying to use it all. I would be happy to share some of our experiences and challenges in the development of your action research plan. tferrell@my.lamar.edu or tferrell1@kleinisd.net
ReplyDeleteYou are right when you mention that many teachers are not too comfortable when using technology. I am still getting accustomed to it as well. I defenitely am enjoying reading discussions, blogs, and replies. If educators would engage themselves in technology use, they would defenitely find it very beneficial.
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