Action research is a term I have often heard around school. Colleagues may have mentioned it in passing or various reading materials may have used the phrase. I will admit, however, that in the past I did not have a clear concept of what action research meant. I was able to use context clues, as I have taught my students, and draw conclusions about its definition or purpose. So far, this course has given me a much clearer picture of what action research is, the value that is has, and the purpose that can be found in using it.
I have always felt that teaching was a profession where it's necessary to reflect on our practices and evolve throughout our careers. What I am seeing now is that there is a process to guide teachers in this reflection and evolving process, especially when they are targeting a specific question or area of interest. Hendricks stated that when collecting data through action research it is important to know that this information is continuous, flexible, and constantly evolving. As I read, I compared this to how I feel about my job. It is continuous, flexibility is necessary, and everything is constantly evolving. From this I can see how action research naturally fits into education.
As far as my own project, I want to make sure it something that is both meaningful to myself but also my students and possible colleagues. Reflection is something that I naturally do in my process of trying to improve each lesson and plan for the next step in the classroom. I am looking forward to improving this reflection process by making it more meaningful through action research. I am still in the process of trying to narrow down an appropriate topic. My school has faced many changes and challenges this year and I feel that one of these areas would be meaningful for an action research project. I did my article review was related to the topic of Positive Behavior Interventions and Support. This area interests me because it is new to my school and many of my colleagues are unsure of the process and how it can be helpful within their classroom. I have many questions that could possibly get insight through an action research project. Another area I am interested in is the process of providing feedback to students, whether that be through just a number or letter, a rubric, written feedback, etc. I am curious which of these approaches would offer my students with the information necessary to be more successful. I will continue to read about these areas to narrow my focus.
Hendricks, C. (2013). Improving schools through action research: A reflective practice approach (3rd ed.). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson.
Hi! Action research is one of those boxes on the teacher evaluation instrument that often puzzles teachers of its meaning and keeps them from getting accomplished or distinguished in that area. Teachers perform action research more often than they realize. I remember when I was teaching I spent a lot of time reflecting on my practice and making adjustments as necessary to help my students. More time needs to be spent at the school level assisting teachers with the action research process so they are familiar with it and effective when they engage in it. I look forward to reading your blog:)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on making the AR relevant to your current setting. My district is currently implementing a several initiatives and I wanted to do something that would be useful in the future. It seems like you could do a short term positive intervention strategy if you picked maybe three or students to monitor. Did the behavior stop? How Long? Maybe look at two or three intervention strategies.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Crystal on the comment that it would benefit teachers to become more involved in the action research process at the school level so we're more familiar with and effective when we discuss it. As for using PBIS, is there a way to connect PBIS to the strategies you want to use in the classroom for feedback? I think the type of feedback varies for the type of activity or instruction given and there are many combinations. I look forward to hearing more about your topic and which direction you've decided to take!
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