The Time Has Come... A Final Reflection of EDLD 5301

While inquiry, problem-based learning, and reflection are always techniques that I have used for years in the classroom, I had never thought of them in terms of research.  At the beginning of this course, I have to admit I was very nervous.  Prior to this class, when I heard the word research in an educational context, I immediately went back to high school, sitting in our library and spending hours utilizing the card catalog and bound encyclopedias.  Yes, I am dating myself.  However, as this course progressed, I came to realize the value of meaningful research as an educator and future administrator, and that anyone, once taught the process, can do an action research project to problem-solve at their district, campus or classroom.

While at the beginning of this course, I was very overwhelmed after reading the course syllabus.  But, as each week progressed, I watched the videos with Dr. Jenkins and Dr. Arterbury explaining the process and the assignments and was put at ease.  The videos reminded me constantly that this project was a work in progress and changes were not only okay but expected. They reinforced that the topic I chose to work with should be very specific and meaningful to me. In addition to these videos, the web conferences with Dr. Abshire provided answers to many questions and put faces to my online experience.  Although I only participated in a couple of live web conferences, I did watch the previous ones by using the link provided by Dr. Abshire.  Dr. Abshire shared with us her enthusiasm and expertise. These online web conferences were a valuable tool to me as a student.

The readings assigned for this research course was insightful and our assignments corresponded directly from the readings.  I found that it was helpful to immediately apply and reflect upon what I had just read.  The eight steps described in the Harris text was very easy to follow, and I appreciated the detailed examples outlined in the book.  These examples helped me form my action research plan’s steps by showing me step-by-step the thinking into formulating an effective plan.

As I reviewed each weekly assignment, I began to relax and become increasingly excited about my action research plan.  The assignments were directly related to the readings and to the final product required in this course.  They helped me organize my thoughts and fine tune my project.  In addition, Dr. Abshire’s weekly overviews provided additional explanations and tips to help me be successful on the weekly assignment. Her weekly overviews also demonstrated to me, as her student, that she cared that I learned all that I needed in order to successfully complete her course. 

Both the discussion board and my blog provided great dialogue between my fellow classmates and me.  The discussion board topics caused me to reflect and share my thoughts.  It also fostered the beginnings of relationships between complete strangers who had common interests.  It was a great support resource, and the comments posted were insightful.  Not only did I read the comments on my posts but I read all posts in my section.  Even though the other students’ topics were different, I still learned valuable information on the process of action research.  Blogs were completely new to me, and I am still not sure I am completely comfortable with them.  They are very time-consuming. However, as my project progresses throughout the next several months, it will allow for my followers to continue to support me and to offer suggestions and comments to make my project successful.  In addition, I am able to continue to follow others’ projects and view their results and findings and support them.  Many of the other research topics were interesting to me, and I could still learn a great deal from reading the blogs. 

I find myself a little disappointed this course is ending so quickly.  I feel that I have learned so much in a very short time.  I am confident that throughout my future career as an administrator, I will use what I learned in the course and be successful in conducting many more action research projects to improve my district,  my campus and my students’ learning.