Reflections on My Research Class

Reflecting back on this course, I learned a great deal about how to conduct an action research project.  Through the videos, readings, searches, assignments, discussion board, and blogs, I gained a great deal of insight into what goes into an action research project.

While watching several videos, I was most impressed by the different practicing administrators giving their advice on conducting an action research project.  I thought it was great to hear from someone practicing in the field and getting their insight into research.  The advice I will remember most is making sure the action research project directly effects learning.  I thought this was great advice and I will make sure that any research I do in the future is directly related to student learning.

In my readings of both the Dana text and the Harris text, I learned how much thought and effort goes into conducting research and the different methods used to conduct an action research project.  I learned the difference between an action research project and traditional research.  Action research involves solving real life situations and issues that educators deal with today.  I am excited to use this process to make actual change in my school.

I have already begun searching different schools and the ways they deal with cell phones.  Several schools are already implementing the use of cell phones in the classroom.  I will be conducting my project on lowering discipline referrals and utilizing cell phone technology in the classrooms to improve the quality of instruction at Lawton High School.

Through the assignments, discussion board and blogs, I have now designed my action research project.  I know that this is only a blueprint and that it may change in the future. I have been getting positive feedback from my classmates on the discussion board.  Several of them are interested to see what my research discovers.  Some are utilizing cell phones in their classrooms now and will be interested to find out how they can use them in different ways.  Through the blog, I have been able to share my project with others.  I will continue to update my blog and gain others’ insight into my project.