Reflection of EDLD 5301

Before this particular class, I had never even heard of an Action Research Project.  Beyond the basics of what an Action Research Project is, I have learned that the nature of an action research project is very broad.  There are endless ideas that could be used for an Action Research Project.  Ideas for a project can be simply derived from creativity.  There is no wrong topic to research so long as it can be used to further the researcher’s education, and more importantly benefit the researcher’s students (and hopefully students beyond that population).  Almost all Action Research Projects in general require cooperation from faculty, staff, administration, and colleagues.  I have learned this by viewing the message boards.  Virtually every project will depend on this type of cooperation in the data collection process.  Many projects will not be possible without cooperation from others.  My project is completely dependent on others’ willingness to help me out.  This will include cooperation from my students as well.  My project requires that I interview numerous students from different groups and organizations within the school.  I will also need help from school sponsors and coaches.  I have learned that many things can be learned from Action Research Projects that many people can use.  A good action research project should benefit more than just you and your students.  I have learned how action research projects are a very useful professional development tool.  Professional development is really the nature of an action research project.  I still have much to learn about action research projects, but I do know that I will become better in my profession from learning about them and how to use them.

Dr. Harvey is OK !!!

Please disregard previous post.

Rest in Peace Dr. Tom Harvey

Really enjoyed our first web conference. Dr. Harvey stated that he was a tool  for us and would be available to help thru the duration of the program. Rest in peace Dr. Harvey.

Site Supervisor Gives Thumbs Up!

My site supervisor said "THUMBS UP".  We discussed my Action Research plan in depth. He wanted no more changes; I had already changed Research plans twice before settling on Extra-Curricular Participation. My supervisor made no changes to my action research plan. Mr. Spinato was very helpful and instrumental in my planning from the start. This research is about learning more about our student body, so he is very anxious to see what kind of results I will come up with.

Feedback Results

I received a lot of positive comments from my colleagues with a few who stated that their school is experiencing some of the same problems that we are. I felt a little bit better in knowing that we were not the only school who had low extra-curricular participation numbers. I had a few who also suggested that I include a parent survey. One of my colleagues also suggested talking to sponsors, directors and coaches and find out what strategies and/or methods they were using to recruit and retain students. Thanks and good luck to all.

Change in Action Research Plan

ACTION RESEARCH PLAN

After speaking with my mentor again, and seeing another's response to my Action Research project and realizing the difficulties that I could face, I've decided to research something that hits close to home and that I encounter on my campus each year. I will research "What Factors Influence Students not to Participate in Extra-Curricular Activities" I know that this hits close to Joseph Browns research project but I'm going to research it from another perspective. #1 Why do students choose or not choose to join a specific Group, Club or Team #2 Does demographics keep students from participating in specific activities #3 Did they participate in Middle School and if so what was their experience.
     I only want to interview around 100 students 50/50 male and female. The target population will be those who once participated and find out why they chose to stop participating. I will find those students by asking former coaches who played for  them and by also asking current participants about their classmates. I will also interview students who have never participated and see why there is no interest.
    I will then try to formulate a strategy to help to keep students interested throughout their high school days.

Michael Robinson Action Research Draft

1. SETTING THE FOUNDATION- Student participation in groups and school spirit have decreased over the last few years at North Mesquite High School.  This has been discovered through discussion with faculty and staff members.
2. ANALYZING DATA- Participation numbers will be compared from previous years to this academic year on student groups.  Demographics will be analyzed to help identify the problem with participation.
3. DEVELOPING DEEPER UNDERSTANDING- Interviews will be conducted with individual students which are part of any group or extra-curricular activity.  At least one student from every group in the school will be interviewed.  Interviews will also be conducted with students who do not belong to any groups within the school to obtain an understanding of why they do not choose to be involved.
4. ENGAGE IN SELF-REFLECTION-
• In what ways am I capable of changing the structure of school programs to improve belonging and participation?
• Am I making a fair assessment with each group based on the type of students that are being interviewed?
5. EXPLORING PROGRAMMATIC PATTERNS- Assistance and cooperation from sponsors, coaches, administrators, and office workers for successful completion of the project.  A timeline will be important in conducting interviews and ensuring that all student groups are represented.
6. DETERMINING DIRECTION- Timelines will be checked frequently to ensure that the project is flowing properly.  I will need to make sure through interviews that the proper questions are being asked and if any changes need to be made during the middle of the project to improve the effectiveness and outcome.
7. TAKING ACTION FOR SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT- Results of data will be analyzed and put together by myself in a comprehensive report that can then be submitted to the principal and the appropriate committees.  The report will include a proposal for action to improve student belonging in each school group.

     8. SUSTAIN IMPROVEMENT- Effectiveness of the changes made will be assessed in
          the following school year. Results will be shared with school sponsors and coaches 
          on the improvement of given programs due to changes that were made.

Week Two Notes

I was really enjoyed the videos of the three educational leaders and one thing really sticks in my mind was a suggestion by Dr. Briseno and  that is to Google problems and/or situations. Someone out there, more than likely has faced a similar situation. He stated that by  Googleing we could have an answer to a specific research question and  could have it in less than 30 minutes. I use Google alot but never thought of using it, in this way.

      Dr. Charigos also reiterated a very known statement in that "teachers should never stop learning" and the best way to do this is with a action research. Action research will always cause us to look out ourselves and whats going on around us.

How Educational leaders Might Use Blogs

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Educational leaders could use blogs to communicate school news to the public/stakeholders as events unfold; I know that twitter is one way that’s being utilized today for communication purposes but not everyone tweets. Blogs can also be used as instructional tools to post assignments and to make announcements and or changes for students.  Blogging is another way that educational leaders can share useful information to the staff without sending e-mails that doesn’t apply to all. Blogs could be used by staff members to share more personal/useful information about different events or success stories that has occurred in their classroom. Blogs could also be used as a resource to ask questions and seek solutions from other educational leaders when situations arise.