Comment on designing my action research in my blog

Well after two  phone calls, four hours of work, and a few more gray hairs, I have successfully posted my action research plan. I wasn't able to find the document of how to post the template in the resource section of epic. Through trial and error and the help of my husband, I think I have been successful.
I am excited to begin work on this action research plan. After completing the template, I see I have a lot of work to do and I am ready. This past week I have searched for literature pertaining to my plan and have not been able to find much but will start again tomorrow.

Action Research Plan - Week 3

Action Planning Template
Goal: Will providing hands-on mini lab stations as a comprehensive science review increase student achievement on six weeks test?
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
1. Meet with mentor to discuss new TEKS for science and the implementation for my action research plan	Renee Brawner	October 2011	TEKS for 8th grade science	Notes and ideas for implementing my action research plan
2. Examine current review strategy Survey students of how they are reviewed for six weeks test in all subject areas	Renee Brawner	October 2011	Student surveys	Current review handout Review surveys and look for trends
3. Conduct a search for best practices when reviewing students for classroom testing	Renee Brawner	October -December 2011	Online information Professional journals	Review literature to see what has been done in the past and the success of the review methods
4. How can I engage and excite students to review the science TEKS for six weeks test	Renee Brawner	October -May 2011	Online information Lab materials	Classroom observations Six Weeks test
5.Gather materials necessary to make  mini lab stations to address the six weeks TEKS Determine length of each lab so that they are equal in time Determine how groups will be selected so that all students are participating Create lab data sheet	Renee Brawner	October - May 2012	Science lab materials Student group printout	Elementary and high school science teacher provide feedback on labs
6. Create labs and technology component to increase student's understanding of science TEKS Revise after each six weeks to monitor what labs are working and those that aren't effective Determine most often missed questions and create a lab to address that concept	Renee Brawner	October - May 2012	Science lab materials Station instruction cards Lab data sheet Laptop computer	Class observation Analyze lab data sheet for understanding Student feedback Compare six weeks test with last year's six weeks test
7. Using the data collected from each six weeks I will summarize findings to determine if using the lab stations was an effective method for reviewing students and did it increase student learning	Renee Brawner	October - May 2012	Six weeks test Data analysis	Six weeks test Class observation
8. Share with my mentor and campus the findings of my action research plan If my action research plan is found to be successful share with teachers in other disciplines how it could be implemented in their subject areas	Renee Brawner	May 2012	Summary data of action research plan	Compile scores on six weeks test along with student feedback and my observation notes taken throughout the school year

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

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Action Research Week 3

The purpose of my action research plan is to introduce a new method of review for my students. Tired of the same worksheets and vocabulary games, I will provide a hands-on mini lab station review. The students will benefit from this type of review as it will engage and excite them while providing a better understanding of the TEKS that will be on their six weeks test and ultimately on the state test in April. I am expecting this type of review to raise student achievement and would like to see if it can be implemented into the other disciplines.
The setting of my study will be in 8th grade science class on the junior high campus.
My target population will be 8th grade.
The select population will be 105 8th graders.
I will conduct my research by setting up a number of hands-on stations that cover the TEKS we are studying and that will be on the six weeks test. I would like each station time to be 3-4 minutes but I am sure I will have to make adjustments. Students will have a station review handout to record observations from each station. After all stations have been completed we will meet back as a class to answer questions, clear up any misconceptions, and provide closure. In addition, one station will be from the last six weeks TEKS to keep previous learned material fresh and relevant.
I will also include a technology component that I haven't decided on yet.
I have been searching for literature on how others review students for class tests, but haven't found much except the normal Jeorpardy, Hangman, and baseball games so if any of you have suggestions please let me know.

EDLD 5301 Week 2

This week's assignment has been very informative for me. I enjoyed the interviews and found the information that was shared helpful and encouraging.
Next, reading about the nine common areas of action research was beneficial in that it explained real life school situations and examples of how to implement an action research plan to address the area of concern.
In conclusion, I have my proposed topic, but need to work on getting a component of technology to meet all requirements.

Educational leaders and blogs

Educational leaders could use blogs to record their thoughts as they go through an inquiry process. Blogging allows global interaction and collaboration. Revisiting journal writings on the blog can lead to a new idea or an insight . In addition, educational leaders that blog model the importance of writing and reflections for teachers and students.

What I have learned about action research

The action research plan is a tool to empower teachers and school leaders to improve teaching and student achievement. The plan allows and provides teachers and principals the autonomy over their own learning as it relates to their class and their school.
A critical part of the plan is reflection. In order to be an effective teacher I must ask myself, "Did my lesson on Newton's 3rd Law of Motion work today? Why or why not? And if not what can I do differently?" In addition, the action research plan could be used to address smaller tasks in daily classroom management, “How can I get folders passed out without wasting instructional time?” Are the desks arranged so that every student can see me and all instructional materials?” The reflections and answers to the questions spur growth and birth excellence. Taking time to reflect on what is working or not working in the classroom is critical. A combination of reflections, reviewing literature, and a plan to implement change is a catalyst for learning and growth.
As a classroom teacher I am always questioning my lessons, assessment methods, and student achievement. In the book, School Leader Internship, it is stated, "Experts take action and make adjustments as they go." (p.104) With my new understanding of the action research plan, I will strengthen my teaching and use my expertise to improve student achievement.

Martin, Gary & Wright, William & Danzig, Arnold & Flanary, Richard & Brown, Fred (2005). School Leader Internship, 2nd edition. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education Press.