There were so many aspects of this class I could
reflect upon and write about. I felt that most of my focus has been on my
action research project and input from outside sources. These outside sources
have been colleagues both on my campus and my online classmates. As I reflect
on these past 5 weeks, I will identify the individuals that helped me to keep
pushing myself in order to be successful.
The action research project that
I am conducting for this class has already been seen as a benefit by several
administrators on my campus. I have been
told by my campus administrator that what we are doing looks “good” and proves
that our staff works well as a team. The week three assignment “Draft
Action Research Plan and Blueprint” has
helped me build this collaborative team on my campus that before now never
seemed possible. As a team, we have looked at and talked about issues that are
affecting our campus and how we could address these problems. Prior to this
project we talked about issues but we never really worked as a team on one singular
goal. At times I feel it has been a morale booster for several of us on campus.
I feel confident that our collaborative efforts will continue well beyond this
single action research project. As for my action research project, it has
created a form that is being used by the attendance office to track student’s
loss of seat time and the reasons for missing seat time. I posted a copy of my
attendance data recording sheet on my blog in order to get insight from my
fellow colleagues. Mrs. Jordan commented on my blog that, “Your form
looks great; I can't wait to see how you incorporate it into your action
research plan” (2012). Another blog response quote about the validity of my
data form and action plan came from Rollan Hadsell. Mr. Hadsell said, “Looks good. I like all the forms that you have created to
go along with your plan. It looks like you are ready to go” (2012). Some people
may ask why is it important to receive praise when working on any project. The
answer is that it is rewarding to have fellow educators give praise for
the hard work we have done. Sometimes it feels like education is a thankless
job. I know that we should never seek praise, but to receive just one line of
praise encourages me to put forth more effort. To get multiple responses that
indicate I am on the right path helps me believe that what I am doing will be
successful. Another online blog response I received didn’t give me praise but did
provide me with redirection to better complete my action research plan. The
quote from Shannon Johnson read, “You're going to
want to go into design and change the layout format of your blog in order to
fit your entire action plan draft without it doubling over. You might also want
to add a bit more detail. Good luck!” (2012). Where praise of my work provided
me with the energy and will to be more successful, Mrs. Johnsons response gave
me better focus. Therefore, I went back and reflected on my plan and I read it
as if I were a stranger with no prior knowledge of the action research project.
What I saw made a difference. My colleague’s comment on my blog was accurate
and it needed more detail. It took an outside view and further reflection to
realize what needed to go in each step. A new personal step I have added not
only to my action research but activities on my internship plan is true
self-reflection. I have started to take a step back and look at issues as if I
were an outside spectator. This has enabled me to identify materials I need to
further define and study. Lastly, I remember the week 3 live lecture as a
specific high point for this class. I was lost and frustrated as how to
complete the week 3 assignment. The directions to me were not “user-friendly”
and didn’t clarify what exactly was expected. It was during the live lecture
that I asked if the assignments could be clarified. I was amazed that other
students were able to explain the expectations in a way that enabled me to
fully understanding them. Had I not attended that session, I would not have
received the input needed to complete the assignments. Once again, it took an
outside perspective to allow me to better see expectations. This just
strengthens my belief that collaboration is an instrumental tool that must be
utilized. Through blog, class, and discussion boards, I find that we are a
collaborative team that can simplify and improve the vision needed to complete
any task.
