Throughout this course, I have learned a lot about action research. I now understand the purpose and the importance of action research, and how it can benefit a school or district. The discussions have allowed me to view different ideas about action research, and also to have an open mind to others point of view. I have learned about the different styles of teaching and the different programs that are implemented in the schools. The discussions also helped me to understand that the same concerns, problems, and issues that my school had existed in other schools as well. It was great to see the different wonderings from my classmates throughout this course, and how they plan to address those wonderings.
The internet has connected me closer to what an action research project really entails. I have been able to view examples of different action research projects in an educational setting to better understand how to implement my own project.
The blogs have been very informative. They have allowed me to give feedback to others about their projects, and to receive valuable feedback about my own. The blogs have also brought me closer to my classmates who I will never probably get to meet face to face. It allows us to interact with each other, and ask questions if needed. The one thing that the blog has helped me to do is to improve in the skill of self reflection. Reflection is an important skill in leadership because it allows leaders to learn from their own experiences. Leaders should include reflection in their everyday routine in order to feel a greater sense of control over the many challenges that leaders face. As an educator, reflection has allowed me to look at my own practices in order to improve student learning, and it will be beneficial throughout my action research. Reflection will help me to study the problem, gain new knowledge, and make sound decisions about the ways that I implement and collect data during my action research project.
