EDLD5301 Reflection

As I reflect upon my experiences during the taking of this course, I have muddled thoughts regarding what I was to accomplish and personal problems. Once I push the personal problems aside, I’m left with how to go about conducting a research project.

I have been coached in methods of how to choose a topic and determine whether or not it is worthwhile. Starting with a shared vision and the need for inquiry, I have learned of eight steps required to be successful in orchestrating a principal inquiry. According to Sandra Harris, et al (2010), the eight steps are comprised of setting a foundation, analyzing data, developing deeper understanding, engaging in self reflection, exploring patterns, determining direction, taking action, and sustaining improvement.

The shared vision is simply everyone being on the same page in recognizing continued adjustment is needed to ensure school improvement. This sets the foundation. Analyzing data consists of the collecting and cataloging of information that will help in determining what needs to be changed. Development of a deeper understanding occurs when qualitative inquiries are performed. “Quantitative findings help identify the “what” but not the “why.” On the other hand, qualitative techniques help understand “why” and “how” situations are happening – they provide a broader understanding of some of the different factors that affect a particular area.” (Harris, p. 38) Self reflection ensures greater awareness of oneself and their surroundings. Through self reflection, I am able to see where I have been, where I’m going, and where I want myself and the school to be. The exploration of program patterns helps in fostering school improvement by exposing biases that need to be addressed. When determining direction, you go back to making sure everyone has bought into the need for change. As the principal, you lead a “revisit [to] previous goals and priorities” (Harris, p. 72), to figure out which direction should be the priority. Once the direction is determined, it’s time to take action. Committing the action plan to paper helps guarantee clarity of the improvement activities. There is a need to keep all stakeholders informed of the progress and the setbacks. The final step, which may really become a new first step, is sustaining improvement. At this juncture, you are moving forward toward continued improvement because you are re-examining, re-questioning, reflecting, and redirecting your focus on school improvement. I believe I've got it!

Reference

Harris, Sandra, et al. (2010) Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8

     steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.

September 14, 2011 Podcast Reflection

My attendance at tonight's podcast was extremely helpful. I got key questions answered, insights into what is expected, support from others, kudos for helping, and a reason to laugh. All in all, it was a great experience. I was able to learn that I am not alone in my confusion and many are having the same problems I'm experiencing. The students who attend the podcast are at different places in their studies. I have just begun and welcome the opportunity to listen to others, ask questions of others, and comment on remarks made by others. I would dearly like to find out how to orchestrate a podcast of my own.

Action Research Plan

Guidry's Action Research
Goal: To ascertain academic benefit of social network use in the classroom.
Action Steps(s):	Person(s) Responsible:	Timeline: Start/End	Needed Resources	Evaluation
Research prior implementation of social networks by other districts.   (Literature Review)	Self: Ava Guidry	September 2011/ November 2011	Internet access	Evidence of substantial documentation by districts of their use of social networks in the classroom.
Contact and form a collaboration with a school or district that has the use of social networks in place.	Self, PAISD Chief of Technology Dr. Zuniga, Principal Mrs. Cynthia Jackson	December 2011/ January 2012	School or district with which collaboration is to be formed.	Acquisition of collaborators complete.
Data Collection and Analysis	Self, PAISD Chief of Technology, Collaborating school or district	January 2012/ April 2012	School or district willing to collaborate. Surveys for teachers, students, and parents. Records of student performances with and without use of social networks.	Surveys completed and returned. Collected data analyzed and compiled.
Findings and Discussion	Ava Guidry, Chief of Technology	April 2012 / June 2012	Computer with word processing, excel, and spreadsheet programs.	Publication of research findings.

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

(Harris, Edmonson, and Combs, 2010)

Week Two of Course 5301/Action Research

This past week has been a trial for me. I was not so much stumped as to how to complete the assignment as I was strapped for time. I managed to submit it a few minutes ago. And ... am now reflecting on what knowledge I gained. I've learned that there are as many possible topics for action research as there as stars in the universe. Picking one may be the most difficult part of all. I was lucky in that my site supervisor had an idea that may be just the ticket. It's a hot topic and while some schools and districts have already implemented its use, it's still relatively new. My 'wondering' is what kind of impact will the use of social networks have on student academic performance?

In pursuit of an answer to the above question, I have learned that my question may evolve into another or lead me to answers I have not formulated questions for. Either way, I'm just about ready to get going. All I need is an extra ten hours per day and everything will be copasetic.