5301 Reflections

Research is good! As I look back on the past five weeks I have learned the importance of reflection, the importance of research, and the importance of being practical.

The importance of reflection is essential for improvement. As a classroom teacher I am always questioning lessons, assessment methods and student achievement. The action research plan has given me a clear step-by-step method to take these questions and make a plan for change. How else can you go forward if you don’t take the time to look back and see what is working and what isn’t working? Taking the time to reflect is necessary for improvement. In the book, School Leader Internship, it is stated, “Experts take action and make adjustments as they go.” (p.104)  We must reflect in order to adjust and become experts.

This class has changed my mind about the importance of research. I went through school at a time when a “research paper” was a dreaded assignment and often not much gained from the work except a grade.  Dr. Arterbury explained during a lecture that a research paper is not research. He continued to explain that only when something new is added to selected literature does it become research. Asking new questions with the anticipation of new answers on an old topic begins research. This makes sense because now the research serves a purpose and can be a catalyst for change.

Finally, I learned to be practical. As a veteran teacher I have many times been given a new “change the world” education program and most often was left thinking this has nothing to do with my school, my students, or my concerns. Consequently when I had an area of concern I would revert to searching for a “change the world” solution when what I needed to do was be practical. In the interview with Dr. Kirk Lewis, he advises students conducting an action research plan to make it practical. In addition, he recommended addressing your areas of concerns that will directly influence instruction in your classroom.

In order to improve student achievement in our schools we must reflect to see what is working and what isn’t working, implement research to make a change, and keep it practical. With the action research plan I will become a better teacher and increase student learning. What a compliment to the developers of the action research plan.

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