Action research is used by teachers
as a process to facilitate change in their work as a professional. Not only
does action research foster opportunities for teachers to make important
evidence-based changes in their practice, but it also serves as validation of
practices that work.
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| [Photo from: enchantedmaths.blogspot.com] |
Now
that I have invested a great deal of time and energy into my project, I have
reflected on how action research has impacted my thinking in regards to the
importance of research for all teachers with a vision for improvement and
success; action research is an important key to student learning. While our
projects were done individually for this course, I see action research in my
future completed with a team of educational professional who are seeking
continuous student improvement for all students.
The process has also showed me the importance of the literature review and
delving into the research which has already been accomplished within the area
of concern. The goal as a researcher is not to reinvent the wheel, but to
fine tune it. Therefore, in the review of literature one can see what has been
tried and the results. Modifications can be made to projects to expand the
research. The teacher can come up with ideas of what is needed for this
expansion or make adjustments based on the suggestions for future
research.
I do not know what position I will
hold next year; however, I do know that action research will continue to be
part of what I do as an educator.
Endurance
– the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; the ability to
sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity <a marathon runner's endurance>
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary
As I come to the end of the teacher education program, I have
compared my time in this program as running a marathon. In 1997, I made
the decision to run a marathon. I loved to run and this was something
that I had wanted to do for many years. I trained for six months and ran 577
miles training for the race. The day of the marathon came. Did I have what it
took to finish the race? Had I trained enough? Four hours of running, 26.2
miles and I finished the race! This was not only a great personal
accomplishment, but the ability to endure the training and the race was
something that never left me. As I faced physically demanding situations later
in my life, I would often tell myself “you can do this, you finished a marathon”.
It has been 15 years since I ran the marathon, and it is a component of my life
which will never be taken away.
In 2010, I was accepted in the
teacher education program at Western State College. The first year was
difficult in maintaining a full college course schedule and a year-long
internship. However, after completing the first year I received my Colorado
Teaching Certificate. This past year, I have completed 16 additional credit
hours in order to complete the Masters program. The teacher education program
has been challenging for me. The field of education is a new career for me and
I have to learn many new terms and ideas. I feel more than ready to meet
the needs and challenges of my students. This will be a great personal accomplishment
since I am about to finish the race. Not only will I have all the knowledge
gained from the program to implement in my classroom, school, and district, I
will be able to tell myself “you can do this; you finished your Masters in
Education”. I feel equipped to face the opportunities that are ahead of me. My
degree will remain a component of my life which can never be taken away.
Endurance is not just the ability to
bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory – William Barclay
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