Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Reflection for the Future
In reflection, one of the major changes I will be making in my plan is to now focus it into “mini-plans.” I want to really focus on the retention piece of the plan this year and I plan on showing my teachers all of the information I gained through my research. I believe instruction will be better in the classroom when teachers start bringing in activities that help students retain the information. This course has really been a great guide in teaching me to become a great action researcher. I still have a lot to learn, but I feel I am on my way to inquiring about many needs on my campus and designing a study to meet those needs.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Changes for the Better
In order to improve my action reseach plan I participated in several brainstorming sessions to find ways to make the plan more effective and efficient. One of the meetings that took place was with members of our Math department. I also met with my principal to discuss ways to improve the plan. The following points are changes that you can see in my plan below.
•Student Survey: My student survey needed to have more options for students to choose on the questions. The students were not that creative in their answers. Probably because they are the students who are more apathetic toward math and don't want to give an opinion. Next time, I will give them more options to choose.
•Apangea: Through my project I have found that the Apangea math program helped student achievement. However, one major challenge I faced was finding times to pull students out of their "normal" classrooms to have adequate time to work on the program. This next year we have scheduled two classes to have the Apangea program in to give students more time on task in Math.
•Parent/Student Conferences: Our department started too late in the year with the parent/student conferences. We didn't even get to meet with half of them. This was a time to get students and their parents dedicated to coming to tutorials and to plan an individualized intervention plan for each student. The change I am making to meet this challenge is to start the conferencing in September.
•Follow-up with tutoring attendance: I still need help with this problem. We have posted signs for tutoring and told students to come to tutoring. However, logistically it has been a nightmare to follow-up with the students who are not attending. I definitely need some ideas for this. We will be brainstorming ideas to adjust our plan to create more follow-up during teacher in-service.
•Promethean Data Responders: Not all teachers are utilizing the responders as they should. The idea I have to meet this challenge this year is to give teachers time during in-service to register their responders so that they can begin usage day one. I am also going to make my expectations for their use more clearly to the Math team. This is a number one resource for Formative Assessment in the classroom.
•Student Survey: My student survey needed to have more options for students to choose on the questions. The students were not that creative in their answers. Probably because they are the students who are more apathetic toward math and don't want to give an opinion. Next time, I will give them more options to choose.
•Apangea: Through my project I have found that the Apangea math program helped student achievement. However, one major challenge I faced was finding times to pull students out of their "normal" classrooms to have adequate time to work on the program. This next year we have scheduled two classes to have the Apangea program in to give students more time on task in Math.
•Parent/Student Conferences: Our department started too late in the year with the parent/student conferences. We didn't even get to meet with half of them. This was a time to get students and their parents dedicated to coming to tutorials and to plan an individualized intervention plan for each student. The change I am making to meet this challenge is to start the conferencing in September.
•Follow-up with tutoring attendance: I still need help with this problem. We have posted signs for tutoring and told students to come to tutoring. However, logistically it has been a nightmare to follow-up with the students who are not attending. I definitely need some ideas for this. We will be brainstorming ideas to adjust our plan to create more follow-up during teacher in-service.
•Promethean Data Responders: Not all teachers are utilizing the responders as they should. The idea I have to meet this challenge this year is to give teachers time during in-service to register their responders so that they can begin usage day one. I am also going to make my expectations for their use more clearly to the Math team. This is a number one resource for Formative Assessment in the classroom.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Action Research Plan for Math Success!
NOTE: There is only one plan, but I had to post it in three parts. Enjoy!
Friday, July 23, 2010
My Action Research Topic
At the beginning of this last year I met with my principal and conferred with him about my action research topic.
The purpose of my proposed action research project is to find a way to help our student achievement, school performance, and overall success in Mathematics. Some the of the questions I am using for my inquiry will be: When did the "I can't do it" attitude problem occur in Mathematics for these students? Why is retention such a problem at this age? Why are students so apathetic in Mathematics as sophomores? What does the data show as underlying needs and weaknesses that this particular student group has? How can we promote confidence and successfulness in Mathematics?
I have actually already done most of my study on these questions; however, I still need to draw conclusions with the research.
The purpose of my proposed action research project is to find a way to help our student achievement, school performance, and overall success in Mathematics. Some the of the questions I am using for my inquiry will be: When did the "I can't do it" attitude problem occur in Mathematics for these students? Why is retention such a problem at this age? Why are students so apathetic in Mathematics as sophomores? What does the data show as underlying needs and weaknesses that this particular student group has? How can we promote confidence and successfulness in Mathematics?
I have actually already done most of my study on these questions; however, I still need to draw conclusions with the research.
The How To? and What About? of Action Research
This week in action research I was given some worthwhile tips of how to undergo action research from some wonderful leaders. Below are some of them in no particular order.
- Let data drive your decisions.
- Compare your school to other schools that are similar in demographics.
- Teachers should present the information to the staff (their peers).
- Don't re-invent the wheel...use others research when possible.
- Choose an area of interest.
- Use search engines to find others research on your topic.
- Find what is practical for you.
- See wehre growth is coming from and where weakness still exists by using data.
Reference
Briseno, J., Ph.D., Lewis, K., Ph.D. Action Research. [Video]. Week 2 Interview. EDLD 5301 Research PEDG 5344, Lamar University, Beaumont, Texas. Retrieved online on July 22, 2010 from https://lamar.epiclms.net/.
I also learned of nine action research areas where stakeholders can find topics for action research which came from Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Each of these areas ultimately leads students toward success.
- Staff Development
- Curriculum Development
- Individual teacher(s)
- Individual student(s)
- School culture/community
- Leadership
- Management
- School performance
- Social Justice
Reference
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Educational Leaders: Blogging to make a difference
Blogging is efficient, easy, and an innovative way to lead. An educational leader has the opportunity to reflect when utilizing a blog. On the other hand, it also is a great outlet to let others hear your thoughts. You can have a conversation about school, when you are not technically in school. Blogging can be a powerful data collection tool. It is a relaxed atmosphere that allows for collaboration and fun! One way an educational leader could use a blog is by posting announcements, sharing book study reviews, and demonstrating leadership through technology. Life long learning can be shared by all!
Action Research: The what and why...
Action research is very different from traditional research. It' s not just number crunching and reading books. Action research is meaningful, engaging, and productive. It is when professionals are looking to better their campus, therefore seek out change . Administratvie inquiry starts with possible questions or “wonderings” and then through data collection, asking the right questions, reviewing literature , and great reflection the
true process occurs. When administrators engage in inquiry it is not a ritual process, like traditional research. It allows the administrator to completely analyze the problem, produce a solution to the problem, and see the growth for the campus as a whole.
I feel like I am already involved in action research (action inquiry). I feel like I can continue to use it to solve many issues and problems surrounding my campus. Some potential questions that I would use research inquiry for would be the following: Why do students struggle in Mathematics, especially sophomores in high school? Why do students not attend tutorials? Is homework a necessity and how can we get students to actual do it? What do teachers need from an administrative stand point to stay motivated throughout the year?
Using this process will allow me to engage in bettering my school. It also allows opportunity for professional developement and collaboration among colleagues. Moreover, through daily reflections, administrators take the time to make decisions based on in-depth inquiry and research. This entire process is worthwhile and necessary if an administrator wants to make a great impact to better their campus.
true process occurs. When administrators engage in inquiry it is not a ritual process, like traditional research. It allows the administrator to completely analyze the problem, produce a solution to the problem, and see the growth for the campus as a whole.I feel like I am already involved in action research (action inquiry). I feel like I can continue to use it to solve many issues and problems surrounding my campus. Some potential questions that I would use research inquiry for would be the following: Why do students struggle in Mathematics, especially sophomores in high school? Why do students not attend tutorials? Is homework a necessity and how can we get students to actual do it? What do teachers need from an administrative stand point to stay motivated throughout the year?
Using this process will allow me to engage in bettering my school. It also allows opportunity for professional developement and collaboration among colleagues. Moreover, through daily reflections, administrators take the time to make decisions based on in-depth inquiry and research. This entire process is worthwhile and necessary if an administrator wants to make a great impact to better their campus.
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