Final Reflections EDLD 5301

I found EDLD 5301 Research for Teachers to be very informative and enlightening. The lectures, assignments, web conferences, and collaboration with cohort peers were very insightful. While they did raise more questions and at times I was confused on some points, I was able to research and answer these questions raised.

The lectures by Dr Elvis Arterbury and Dr. Steve Jenkins were very informative. The first week’s lecture explained the reasoning behind the formation of this course and its purpose. Dr Aterbury explained the difference between traditional research and the action research. The action research plan is a system of collecting data to address a problem. The action research benefits and improves schools and student performance. The lectures continued in the following weeks to explain questions that were cropping up during the course. The lectures also allowed me to focus deeper on my action research plan. They gave me a definite purpose for performing this research plan.

Both textbooks in this course were fabulous. I found Leading with Passion and Knowledge, to be very informative. It was well written and organized. It led me through the development of my action research plan. It also gave me an idea of what action is required to improve on my plan. The texts explained the purpose and the benefits of the action research plan. The authors went further to explain the process and benefits of becoming a lifelong lead learner.

My assignments for this course were rather enjoyable. I was anxious about the time required to complete these assignments. This anxiety was based on the previous course and my inability to efficiently navigate the courseware. The peer review and collaboration to change, revise, and improve our action research plan was of great benefit to me. I found that networking with fellow cohort members was rather enjoyable. The collaboration relieved some of the stress and allowed me to focus clearly on my plan.

The initial research I have been conducting has really piqued my interest and aroused my passion for this topic. I started with the usual electronic research and read though some professional journals that I thought would be helpful. The electronic searches revealed a lot of commercial enterprises. It did not reveal many research based, data driven practices or findings. I went about asking questions and was provided some local resources to contact. I have interviewed professors and faculty at Southern Oregon University. These people are currently involved in research on my topic and or implementing practices I will use in my action research plan.

Overall, I have found this class stimulating. I have a new found passion to become a better, leader, educator and lifelong learner. I am enjoying the networking of others in this field and learning what developments are out there. I look forward to actually reflecting on my own research and making decisions based on my own findings.

Fichman, N. D. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S. E. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps to improve our schools. Eye on Education Press.