These last two weeks have been very productive for my action research project. I had my first staffing last Thursday where I met with all of the direct care staff (teacher aides) to inform them of their classroom expectations for this year. I made sure to encourage them to voice any of their questions or concerns. I also informed them of new restraint forms that they needed to fill out for any restraints that occur during the school day. I explained that I also need to be notified immediately after a restraint occurs so that I can fulfill all of my legal obligations in regards to the restraint. Sure enough, we had restraints occur the next day. I worked with staff to guide them on the correct way to fill out the restraint forms, and I gave out many positive compliments and kudos to the staff for doing such a great job.
I met with my site supervisor this week on Tuesday to discuss possible ideas in regards to my adult motivation concept in regards to fostering positive working relationships between teachers and teacher aides. We discussed possible methods for studying intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation. Craig and I discussed the implementation of intrinsic motivation the first semester and extrinsic motivation the second semester via a "staff of the month" award. He offered a monetary award be given to this title holder to begin in January to compare the classroom effort put forth in response to intrinsic vs extrinsic motivation. I am really excited to get the ball rolling on my project, and I can't wait to see what changes might occur!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
EDLD 5301-1281: Week One Blog Assignment
What I Have Learned about Action Research
I have learned a lot about action research over the past few days. As mentioned in many of our texts, when I first discovered that my next class was going to be a Research class I was not looking forward to it at all. However, one of the first things that I discovered was that action research is very different from traditional research. Traditional research involves getting instruction and guidance from researchers working from the outside. They have done extensive research that is broad based, but it is definitely not based on your particular situation.
However, action research is done by those actually involved in the situation at hand. A problem is addressed that could benefit from action research. Then one person, a few people, or a team of people can then work together to find solutions for the problem. Data is collected, discussed, and reviewed by all. Then some type of solution is implemented. Once in place, this idea will then be evaluated to determine it's effectiveness, and then these results can be shared with others.
Action research is definitely more beneficial than traditional research. Instead of simply relying on expert, outside ideas, the people directly involved by the problem at hand are able to actively participate in the research and implement a solution. Therefore, they are able to actually "own" the task at hand and "buy in" by others involved will be much easier to achieve.
How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs
Blogs are a great tool for educational leaders. It allows them to build interactive relationships with others that have similar interests via posts, comments, links, etc. Blogs allow them to share news about any current research they might be doing and also enables instant feedback on their research. By posting current research ideas and results it can then inspire and motivate others with similar problems at hand. Blogging also allows educational leaders to reflect on their own thought process by capturing thoughts and recollections. Overall, blogs allow for great personal and professional growth via personal reflection as well as fostering important relationships with other educational leaders.
I have learned a lot about action research over the past few days. As mentioned in many of our texts, when I first discovered that my next class was going to be a Research class I was not looking forward to it at all. However, one of the first things that I discovered was that action research is very different from traditional research. Traditional research involves getting instruction and guidance from researchers working from the outside. They have done extensive research that is broad based, but it is definitely not based on your particular situation.
However, action research is done by those actually involved in the situation at hand. A problem is addressed that could benefit from action research. Then one person, a few people, or a team of people can then work together to find solutions for the problem. Data is collected, discussed, and reviewed by all. Then some type of solution is implemented. Once in place, this idea will then be evaluated to determine it's effectiveness, and then these results can be shared with others.
Action research is definitely more beneficial than traditional research. Instead of simply relying on expert, outside ideas, the people directly involved by the problem at hand are able to actively participate in the research and implement a solution. Therefore, they are able to actually "own" the task at hand and "buy in" by others involved will be much easier to achieve.
How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs
Blogs are a great tool for educational leaders. It allows them to build interactive relationships with others that have similar interests via posts, comments, links, etc. Blogs allow them to share news about any current research they might be doing and also enables instant feedback on their research. By posting current research ideas and results it can then inspire and motivate others with similar problems at hand. Blogging also allows educational leaders to reflect on their own thought process by capturing thoughts and recollections. Overall, blogs allow for great personal and professional growth via personal reflection as well as fostering important relationships with other educational leaders.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)