What I learned in EDLD 5301

I have enjoyed and gained much insight from the current course EDLD 5301 Research.  I have had the opportunity to develop an action research plan, and I will be able to implement and affect change on my campus almost immediately.  I have also gained insight in many areas through the course such as, discussion board, blogging, assignments, and reading.  These areas have impacted me by providing opportunity for reflection and development as a leader in education. 

First, the opportunity we have had to use the discussion board had provided valuable insight and positive feedback as I developed my action research.  I have been able to use the feedback as a way to improve my action research plan.  Also, the discussion board has offered me the ability to learn about others ideas and offer suggestions from my own personal experiences.  I have especially enjoyed this component as I have worked in two very different socio-economic school systems.  This has provided me with an opportunity to share what I have learned from both areas.  I have enjoyed the opportunity to discuss with my peers as we have developed our plans.  I feel the use of the discussion board also offers a self-reflective piece and provided me insight as I have developed my action research. 

Secondly, I have gained great insight on my action research and Professional Learning Communities through the use of the Blog.  I have really enjoyed this component for many reasons, but mostly to experience the learning community and how effective the use of a Blog can be.  I feared for many years that I wouldn’t be able to even create a blog, but having had the opportunity to use this form of technology has created insight on my fear as well as prompted me to create one for my classroom and PLC at school.   I have greatly appreciated the implementation of using the Blog in the course, and throughout my masters program.  I feel this is such a great way for me to experience technology and how it can impact learning. 

Third, through my assignments I have developed new ideas on the use of data collection and analysis, lessons from scholar practitioners, and discussion with my site supervisor.  The discussion of data collection and analysis has created an excitement for me to want to use data more frequently in my classroom to help affect change.  The insight on how to use it has been what has helped me so much.  I have been asked previously to use data, but I was not sure how I would use it to affect change.  Also, the idea that data collection strategies did not just mean quantitative measures it included field notes, interviews, documents / artifacts, digital pictures, video, reflective journals, Weblogs, surveys, and literature (Dana, 2009).  I think this idea resonated and allowed for me to realize I was already using data, but not using it effectively to reach positive learning outcomes.  Next, the lessons from scholar practitioners in which I compared and contrasted during week 2 of our class enabled me to develop an action research plan that will impact student learning.  The two practitioners who provided me insight were Dr. Johnny Brisneo and Dr. Kirk Lewis.  I liked that Dr. Johnny Brisneo discussed in his video interview that it is important while looking at a problem to look at facts.  He and his staff always look at data driven facts, while evaluating and considering qualitative data as one component.  However, this is not the only component that they evaluate.  This is important for me to use in my research as I look at data, but not just one area.  Also, Dr. Johnny Brisneo suggested while researching or while evaluating a problem to use literature to help solve the problem.  He suggested seeking sources that may have already identified a solution to the problem you are considering action research.  I feel this is an area that I have been seeking since I heard his suggestion, and I have found several tools that I can use to affect change and discovery.  Also, Dr. Kirk Lewis suggested that reading literature that applies to the problem is important and critical to implementing change.  The literature can translate to many schools, and he suggested that most schools and districts find areas that have the same demographics or issues that can translate to your particular school or district.  Once again, this is an area I never considered and has really caused deep reflective thoughts on how to implement these in my daily routines to help grow and develop my leadership abilities.  Lastly, the opportunity to meet with my site supervisor and develop a action research plan allowed me to participate in collaborative decision making.  Also, I have had the opportunity to evaluate my purpose and “wonderings” for my action research.  This has enabled me to check if my plan is understood and can be supported.

Thus, I have enjoyed the course and gained great insight and knowledge that will enable professional and personal growth.  I have learned from the discussion boards, blogging, and the weekly assignments.  The overall course content has developed my action research and allowed for self-reflection