Week 2 Reflection

I am learning a lot about action research this week and finding that it is something that I, on some level, already participate it. I am a people watcher and I love to try and find patterns in behavior or try to understand why people do the things they do. I think the hardest part of this project is going to be actually choosing a topic. I am very indecisive! I would like my project to relate to pre-school since this is what I am most interested in; however, my internship will be on a middle school campus since my son will be attending this school and also because it is closer to my current job. I hope one day to be on a campus, but for now, I will just have to make the best of the situation. I have also added some new people that I am following on twitter; people in the education world. I've tried to not just find tech people but also pre-school and regular education people as well.
I also have pinned a bunch on pintrest this week and have gotten some ideas on classroom mgmt and science as well! Speaking of science, I've had more fun this week with my three year old nephew doing science experiments! It's such a great way to get some one on one time, do some hands on activities and for him to learn some great new vocabulary words! Have a great week everyone!

Making Connections with Blogs

As an educational leaders, blogging and using blogs can be a very rewarding experience both professionally and personally.  Blogs help people make connections with others who are interested in the same topics and provide an opportunity for the author of the blog to receive feedback on his or her thoughts. Blogs can also be used to create a home-school connection between students and educators and provide a place that parents to can go  to understand what is happening in the classroom. Educationally  speaking, blogs can also be a great source of lesson plan, articles, classroom managements tips, and tons more information.

Action Research

In the book Leading with passion and Knowledge: The principal as Action Researcher author Nancy Fichtman Dana describes action research as the intentional study of  a principals’ own administrative practice and making changes based on the findings (2).

 Action research is a much more “hand on” approach to learning as opposed to traditional research. The action researcher creates open ended questions and effects change based on relevant literature. Additionally, the researcher reflects shares these findings with others so that they my effect change. The action researcher is invested in the process and is a powerful tool for both effecting change and professional development of the researcher.

Action research will help with my own professional development by helping me put theory into practice.  As an Ed. Tech student who is not yet working in a school, action research will help me to become involved in campus culture, help me to create valuable connections with peers, and establish myself as a serious professional who is committed to lifelong learning and student achievement.  Action research will also help me make my internship more relevant. It will allow me to seek out my own “wonderings” which will enhance my own professional development.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.