Week 5

In taking the time to reflect on this EDLD-5301 Research course, I realize just how much material we covered in five short weeks. We not only had readings to complete, but also had lectures that correlated with our material. The discussion board was very helpful as it usually tends to be. As for blogging, this was something I had never worked with and it is definitely something I will use in the future.

EDLD - 5301 Week 4

In meeting with my administrator, we discussed my action research plan over developing and implementing an employee wellness program on our elementary campus. Mrs. Lanier was excited to hear of my plans and says it is definitely something our employees could benefit from. We both admitted it is something that we feel would motivate us personally to take better care of our own personal selves. She mentioned that it would be beneficial to locate other wellness programs in the state to see what they did and how they went about maintaining such a program. We discussed how this program will be made available to each employee on campus, including any custodial crew members, cafeteria staff or office staff members. We think it will bring an even larger sense of unity to our campus and will help everyone to feel as if they are a valuable part of our campus. Making this a school wide effort will help bring everyone together as one. Mrs. Lanier also mentioned that since I am a physical education teacher on our campus, that there will be no barriers when it comes to borrowing and using equipment we have available on campus. My connections to the high school through coaching tennis may also open doors so that we can use equipment in the weight room at the high school. One downfall to this program is that I am going to develop and implement the program to take place in the afternoon hours, but at that time of the day I will be away at the high school coaching. This means I will have to be very organized and have things well planned for teachers so that they can follow along at their own pace. We did not have a lot of time to chat, so we will meet again as the action research project progresses. I am fortunate to have an amazing and supportive administrator on my campus.

5301 - Week 3 Action Research Planning

Week 3

I apologize for the late post for Week 3. I lost one of my precious Cocker Spaniels suddenly this week and it has really been tough! I was blessed to have my special Dudley for 5 1/2 years, but miss him dearly! I am taking this chance to post a little picture in his honor! There were times when I just wanted to quit this week...I know he would want me to finish this program, so I am going to post his picture to remind me of that!

Have a super week! We are almost through another class!

Sammi

Sammi's Week 2 Action Research Reflection

In week 2, I seem to have a little deeper understanding of action research, how it is conducted and why it is useful. Our readings in week 2 helped point out many common action research topics in school settings that I had not yet though about on my own. I have decided to stick with my original action research topic related to employee wellness. I was unable to meet with my principal this week, but we did converse through e-mail. I am blessed that my principal is such a wonderful individual who is quick to help in any way possible. She is such a great mentor!

My principal and I decided that it would be fitting for me to conduct action research in the area of developing and implementing an employee wellness program. We both agreed that our campus needs a boost, and this may be something that can make a difference. Since I am currently an elementary physical education teacher and high school tennis coach that travels between 3 schools, my action research could possibly benefit 3 campuses in our district. I plan to focus on my home school at this time and look forward to doing what it takes to make a difference. My intentions are to help the staff raise performance levels, which will in turn increase learning in our school community.

How Principals and Educators May Use Blogs

The use of blogs seems to be on the rise. It seems as though you hear about them more and more with each new day. As an educator or administrator, blogs can prove to be very useful. I think idea sharing would be one of the greatest benefits of blogs. It is always great to have resources and input from others when in and educational or administrative role. I also feel that teachers could have blogs about the happenings in their classroom. This would be something great for parents to see. They would be made aware in a fun way of what their children are studying, possibly what homework they have or maybe just are made of fun little facts that give the parents another avenue to be involved with their child’s education. Administrators could post newsletters and possibly have a section with wish lists for the school. There are often times when little things are needed, but may not be in the budget. No one will help if they do not know what the needs are of the school community. I feel as if all stakeholders within a school could benefit from blogs and see that it may be something the larger districts require in the future.

What I have learned about action research

When the word “RESEARCH” is spoken, prompted or written, I automatically have a negative reaction. I am under the impression that this is a common feeling for so many individuals and it is something that starts in our younger years as school age children. With research one tends to think about time, and how much time it takes to conduct research. This is where I feel the negative emotions arise. Who wants to spend hours upon hours learning researching a topic that may or may not be of any interest to the individual? It is wonderful to see that action research is a whole different ball of wax.
I have come to realize that action research is based on issues and tasks that principals and teachers face on a daily basis. Using action research forces one to reflect on previous situations and issues, helping principals to determine what approach must be taken in the future to have more positive outcomes. Administrators and teachers work together to help spur positive action research. It is necessary to take to time to reflect on past events, so that what best fits the school community can be utilized in the future.

This is how I learned that action research is a successful tool:

1. Principals and teachers come together to discuss current events, issues, and areas of concern within their school community.
2. Staff members work together to research and find ways that will help them implement plans to solve issues or make improvements in their school.
3. All members of the committee or teachers and principals come together and discuss findings or action research tools they have come across. Idea sharing allows staff members to converse about past happenings and what deemed to be successful or unsuccessful in past occurrences.
4. Action research is put into place, helping the school community to run more smoothly and positively, based on findings in previous situations.