Lessons learned from Week 2:
I am now better able to define my action research after this week's assignement, videos and web conference. It is, Does Bloomin' SMART, a professional development initiative to train teachers to use interactive whiteboard software to create lessons that are aligned to district and state standards and provide differentiated learning, improve the academic performance of the students whose teachers participate in the program and implement the training in their classes? I still might need to refine it and make it less wordy. However, it meets important criteria of an action research study that I learned this week. From the scholar interviews, the importance of practical research was pointed out. This study would fit that criteria because it is of interest to me, provides focus and benefits students. From the web conference with Dr. Abshire, I became more aware the importance of longevity of the study. This study will span a period of approximately 10 months which should be an appropriate length. In addition, the web conference made me more keenly aware of how to better focus the topic. Another tip from the web conference that I want to remember to do is to search for another similar research project and see if I can replicate it. Finally, reading in the Dana (2009) book about the nine topics that are ripe for action research, of which mine is one (professional development), helped me to better understand why these areas would benefit from action research. Also this helped me to better understand how to formulate action research questions.
I am struggling with the wordiness of my topic as well. I actually started with about 10 questions, each question led to another. I think I am down to a short background statement, a preamble of sorts, then introduce the question.
ReplyDeleteThat may be a strategy for your question as well. Maybe a definition or explanation of Bloomin' SMART would set the scene.
I was unsure of the term when I first read your question, I was able to use the context clues and I am familiar with SMART boards.:-)
Mary,
DeleteI apprecite your suggestion for my stuggle with wordiness. I will try it. I think a "preamble" will provide more clarity and is sort of what I have done in Part 1 of the week 3 assignment, but I think I can make it better with your suggestion.
Thanks,
Cindy
Cindy,
ReplyDeleteThank you for following me also! Last night's web conference made me feel a lot better. I am looking forward to following each other's blogs and progress. I like how you put points in your blog posts that you want to remember. Great idea and I plan to do the same now!
Thanks,
Kate