This class studies the concepts associated with action research; and the processes and procedures for conducting action research.
Reflection
Technology Action Research encouraged me to recognize the less formal action research I already do in the classroom. I constantly look for innovative ways to improve my practices. I regularly test these innovations and then look at student data to determine their effectiveness. This class allowed me to hone in on what I was already doing and recognize it as action research. It helped me formalize my thoughts and think explicitly about my methods while choosing, experimenting, and assessing new methods. I was able to see the progression from problem/observation to researching related literature, to formulating how to collect data, to creating a plan to analyze that data. My Technology Action Research Planassisted me as I tested a new web-based subscription software aimed at improving math achievement. Our school participates in Professional Learning Communities (PLC) twice a month. We work together to study data, analyze student achievement, set learning goals, develop assessments, and ensure vertical alignment between grade levels. I think these meetings could be considered an action research network. We look at student data to determine what is working and what is not. We use that data to plan future instruction and assessments. In essence, we are constantly looking for innovative ways to reach our students, testing them, and then assessing student achievement based on those methods. Then we discuss those findings at PLC meetings to determine the value of our methods. This class will help me formalize these meetings as we continue to work to improve instruction and student achievement.