I learned many things while completing the week two
assignments. While it was beneficial researching the different areas in
which action research is needed, I liked the simplicity of how different
principals and administrators found things to improve/research. Like figure 2.1 in the Dana text shows,
it’s solely a collision of the complexity of the principal’s work in the school
and felt difficulties and real-world dilemmas. I also enjoyed reading within the area of “individual
teacher(s)” how it is not about creating a program for this and that. It is
about the individuals in that program.
If they are not passionate about making the program be successful, it
will not be. Dr. Chargois
reiterated this point in his interview as well. He said it’s not simply about “touching one student’s life
anymore.” He said the times are changing. Yes, you want the kids to know you
care but the world is moving so fast, that action research is much needed. It’s needed to know exactly where the
school must improve, especially with the advancements in technology. I really benefited from watching the
interviews, because it put all that was in the text to reality.
I liked this week's assignments better than last week. I don't know what was wrong other than I had toooo much going on. But I digress...I enjoyed the videos this week because I got to see real people discussing different action research topics at the different levels. I also liked Dr. Lewis when he said for our topics to be feasible and practical. That just touched me because I had some pretty lofty goals but I had to narrow them down.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and get ready for week 3! :)
I, too, enjoyed the videos. These educators made this daunting action research project seem so much more personable and doable! What we will be doing is not some grandiose, doctoral event; it is an actual, down-to-earth problem that needs some research and a possible solution. Good luck with your project!
ReplyDeleteDr. Chargois was correct in that it's no longer about touching a single student. Accountability measures in place require teachers to help at least 90% of her class to be exemplary and 80% to be proficient.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the videos also and I really like the point of Goggling a problem. I really didn't use Google in this way but it sure is helpful to find out who has went thru problems and/or situations and see how they resolved them. This really cuts down on research time.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter worked in education, primarily with life school students in our campus run bistro, helping them gain job skills. She left education and went back to the corporate world and is now committeed to making sure Panera Bread Company embraces special needs adults into their workforce. I seem some companies who obviously make this a priority. Have you thought about partnering with some of those companies and their HR departments on how to make the student most employable, via a positive interview? Companies that care enough to spend time on social efforts like these receive more of my personal monies! Good luck!!
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