I'm Definitely a Fan of Action Research :-)

As a new faculty member taking over the Game Development and Design program at LoneStar College – Kingwood, this class could not have come at a better time for me. My program will benefit from the skills I learned as I apply them to a pre-existing problem in the program which I am supposed to “fix”. I really had no knowledge or preconceptions about the research process, which is why I appreciate learning about action research before any other type of method.

My initial wondering was based on a Workforce Education Report Card that my Dean gave me stating that our score was considered “borderline” and the program could get cut after the 2010-2011 school year. “Sometimes when you just look at numbers, it doesn’t tell you the whole story” (Briseno). After hearing this statement in Johnny Briseno’s interview during the second week of class, I really started to investigate what was behind the numbers that determined the program’s fate which led me to my initial wonderings.

I really was able to visualize the project by creating the SIP/PIP Plan of Action. “Although a written plan is not necessary to participate in continuous improvement and to take action, putting your plans in writing helps keep your school focused” (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010). This form of structure will keep the project from “bleeding” out of the initial boundaries set and ensure that critical issues get addressed. The task of putting the plan together took time, but I can see through this process that spending more time in the initial phases of the project definitely will save time later; being proactive instead of reactive.

The practices of daily self-reflection and sharing have been the most valuable skills I have taken away from this class. I never thought I had time for self-reflection, but found out that I get more crucial tasks done if I spend a few minutes just thinking about my day. “The initial steps in the improvement process take time, patience, thought, and reflection. Rushing through these steps can produce superficial activities” (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010). I have colleagues and committees at work that I present information to, but sharing my SIP/PIP Plan of Action through the class blog and my blog produced invaluable feedback. I found that sharing my thoughts was also a form of self-reflection. “..the process of preparing your findings to share with others helps you clarify your own thinking about your work” (Dana, 2009). I wrote my reflections in a more concise and organized manner and added detail I may have not included initially.

This class also reminded me of why I am an educator. Ultimately, we as teachers go through the learning process to improve our students’ lives through education. “By cultivating this inquiry stance toward practice, principals, and teachers play a critical role in enhancing their own professional growth and ultimately the experience of schooling for children” (Dana, 2009). I am thankful for the opportunity to be involved in the Educational Technology Leadership Program through Lamar University.

References:

Briseno, J. (n.d.). Principal, Rancho Isabella Elementary, Angleton ISD. (E. Arterbury, & S. Jenkins, Interviewers)

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools. Larachmont, NY: Eye on Education.