Week 2 Research Reflection

Even though the Part 2 assignment was the most time consuming, I really enjoyed it because I felt like it taught me the most. I have really been contemplating my action research project and have had a hard time narrowing down my "question" for action research.  My topic is improving writing, but as many people have pointed out on the discussion board "What IS good writing?" and "does the state of Texas even know what good writing is?" 
I think there are a variety of other good topics I can research, but I will be doing this one anyway, in my class, so I figure, I may as do it well.  I am trying a different approach this year with my students and teaching writing. Therefore, I will look at this question: "Do writing workshops help writers become more effective as the year progresses?"    Do you think this is a clear enough, and specific enough, question for action research? 

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs in many ways. They are easily created, updateble, and accessible, therefore, blogs can be used to connect and share ideas with other educational leaders globally.   Most importantly, they can use it to record their observations, thoughts, and ideas in a reverse chronological manner, which will help them be reflective about issues of concern.  It is a way for leaders to journal their ideas, receive feedback, and record things that may later serve as vital information to solving an issue or problem.

Action Research: What I've Learned and How I Can Use It

Action research is the process of engaging in intentional and systematic study of our own practice and taking action for change based on what I find.  I can use this as soon as school starts with my PLC group.  Our PLC, in the past, has floundered a bit because we never have a focus. Our focus becomes “what are you going to do next week?”   This is not systematic nor is it very intentional. In the end, once it is too late, we always find that we missed something vitally important, and we run out of time/resources to cover said important issue.  Now that we have these 8 steps to follow, along with lots of test data, we can look at the test data of our incoming students, decide where they will need to focus most (and improve), then set a goal of trying to fix that. I like that we will use professional literature to help guide our way, and supplement the ideas we already have or have used in the past. I also like the steps it provides –this will help with protocol for my PLC. If members of the PLC know what is ahead they will have a better idea of how to prepare and less of a chance of coming to the meeting empty handed (one of my greatest pet peeves).  I believe this will help with the collaboration as well, therefore not leaving the onus of the curriculum/lesson plans, etc to one single member of the group.