Jerry's Action Research Summary

My action research has gotten off to a slow start.  Lyford CISD is in the process of issuing out iPads to all students.  There are a lot of small details that have to be taken into consideration before we hand out all the iPads to the students.  Our district has been modifying our internet access because of the demand that the iPads will cause.  Therefore, all iPads have not been issued out.  About 50% of the students have received their iPads and the other half will receive their iPads within the next two weeks.  I have been gathering information from some of the teachers on their opinions.  Being that I am a PE teacher, I do not have the opportunity to see students in the classroom using their iPads.  However, I spoke to my principal and he gave me permission to observe classes that have been using iPads for classroom instruction.  On what I have observed, iPads give the students another learning tool to help them master whatever is being taught.  The fact that not all students have their iPads limits what teachers can do in the classroom because not all the students have the same learning tool.  We have tried doing a lot of group work so that the iPads can be shared during instruction time.  We have had some trouble policing what the students are doing with their iPads during instruction time.  For example, some students will try to get on the internet or try to play a video game that they have downloaded.  I believe that we will find some type of routine and a way to maximize our learning with this new technology. 

Week 3 Action Research Project

Action Planning Template
Goal:  To increase student understanding, grades and interest in 7th/8th math by introducing IPAD technology in the classroom.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Meet with 7th and 8th grade math teachers to discuss/survey implementation	7th/ 8th grade math teachers, principal and myself	May 2013	Copy of action research plan (rough draft), student’s grades, power point, six weeks tests, mock test results presentation, student technology survey.	Opinions and suggestions from the meeting.  Consent from all professionals involved. Questionnaire & Survey
7th graders take technology survey on survey monkey	7th grade students, math teacher and myself	May 2013	Computer lab and survey monkey.	Evaluate data on survey  monkey
District Staff development training on IPADS.	Instructional technology coordinator	April – August 2013	IPADS	Agendas, Workshop assessments and evaluation forms filled out by teachers.
IPADS are issued and parents/students are trained	8th grade math teacher and myself	August – December 2013	IPADS, math applications and IPAD student training	IPAD training evaluation forms filled out by students.
8th graders take  technology survey on survey monkey	8th grade students, math teacher and myself	February  2014	Computer lab and survey monkey.	Evaluate data on survey  monkey
Analyze 8th grade math assessment results, understanding of TEKS strategies and student interest.	8th grade teachers and myself	April  2014	Data on test scores	Evaluate and compare the test scores of last year’s 7th graders to this year’s 8th graders.

 

Format based on Tool 7.1 from Examining What We Do to Improve Our Schools

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

 

Week 2 Reflection

After completing all task required for week 2, I realized that I have to continue to groom myself into an efficient administrator.  The week 2 administrator videos shined a new light on action reseach in a school setting.  These professional indviduals use action research for all major inquires and projects.  I learned a lot about the nine areas related to action research and how to use these nine areas to our benefit.  The meeting with my site supervisor allowed us to share ideas and opinions about which action research project would benefit me the best.  The best thing that i enjoyed this week was meeting with my principal and discussing the development of my action research project. 

Week 1 EDLD 5301 Action Research

What have you learned about action research and how you might be able to use it?

I have learned that action research is inquiry into one's profession and seeking a systematic approach for the betterment of their profession. This involves inquiring in an interest and then collecting data. After data has been collected, you begin to analyze the data and reflect with what you have learned. Next, you begin to research and collaborate with other peers and compare and adjust your new findings. Then, you come up with a plan of action on how to incorporate your new findings to your profession. Action research differs from traditional research. Traditional research is based on research and findings from "outside experts", while action research allows the researcher to conduct his or hers own research. This creates a sense of ownership because the researcher is doing his own research and discovering new theories and ideas based on the research found in the process. This allows the researcher to explore and collaborate with other professionals on adjustments which is more likely to occur because of the “ownership” factor. There are different ways that action research can be performed in an educational setting including university coursework, superintendent/district meetings, leadership teams and professional learning communities. Action research allows for a sense of empowerment because of the effort and time that is put into it. I look forward to using action research in my teaching profession because it is going to give me the best learning opportunity.

How educational leaders might use blogs?

Educational leaders may use blogs to collaborate with other educational leaders and share ideas on personal experiences. Educational blogs can serve as an effective tool in sharing knowledge with other educational leaders. Blogs can also be used as a communication tool involving the teachers and the student's parents. Daily, weekly or monthly blogs can serve as a communication tool with parents by posting updates on important tasks, deadlines or special events that are important to the students.

 

References:

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

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our School: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action.  Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.