EDLD 5301: Week 5 -- Final Reflection

Before enrolling in the EDLD 5301: Research course at Lamar, I had heard not-so-good stories about the work load. I was very nervous about enrolling in this course and even considered dropping it so that I could enjoy my last few weeks of vacation. However, I decided that it would be wiser to complete this course while I was out of work if the coursework was as demanding as previous students had mentioned. Now at the end of these five weeks, I can honestly say that I am very glad that I decided to stay in the course.
When I first heard the words “action research,” my first reaction was “what is that?” Anytime I heard the word research before, I associated it with being assigned a topic, and spending countless hours in the library or in front of the computer trying to locate information on it. After taking this course, I have learned that there is so much more to research than just that, that I am now looking forward to conducting my own research. Before enrolling in EDLD 5301, I did not know there was a difference between traditional educational research and action research. I thought that both of these terms were the same. As stated by Nancy Fichtman Dana in the book Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher (2009), the biggest difference between both is that action research focuses on the concerns of practitioners; “not outside researchers” (p.5). When I read this, I immediately came to the conclusion that action research is much better than traditional research; it is relevant to the person conducting it. Throughout all of the research projects that I conducted in the past I lacked motivation. Why? Because I could not relate to the topics; they had already been chosen for me. This lack of originality made me lack interest and I could not relate to what I was researching, which made the process long and brooding, and made me resent research.
As the course progressed, I continued to learn more about action research, and slowly but surely, my dislike of research began to dissipate. During the week two assignment, I was asked to come up with a wondering that I wanted answers to. This wondering would be the topic of my action research. It took me a while come up with one, but it was not until I saw the videos assigned for the week that I got clarity on what topic I wanted to choose. As I watched the interview video of Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent of Pasadena ISD, for the second time, he said some words that really struck a chord in me. He mentioned that when conducting research, it is of upmost importance that the topic the inquirer chooses is relatable to him/her. An inquirer may choose any topic he wishes and conduct impressive research on it. However, if the topic is not relatable to the inquirer, then he/she has no use for that new knowledge. These words were so enlightening to me because there I was, struggling to find a topic, yet all I had to do was ask myself what was I interested in. Once I realized this, I immediately came up with my wondering/topic, which is “How can technology be implemented in the ESL classroom to further the success of ESL students?” Since this is a topic that I chose, and I am genuinely interested in, I am very much looking forward to begin my journey as an action researcher.
Another insight that I gained through this course is that research does not have to be done alone. Through the completion of any research study, it is important that the action researcher takes time to reflect. I did my reflections through my online blog, which was viewed by fellow educators. Through this online blog, other teachers were able to read my chosen topic, my concerns, and my action research plan. By doing this, I received so much support that I was just blown away. Not only did I get comments on how other educators liked my plan, but I also got comments on how to further improve it. Most important of all, I was able to form part of an online network of educators that have the same interests as me. Having this support system readily available is such an immeasurable asset that I know that I will continue to remain motivated throughout the course of my action research study just because I have others there for me; I am not alone in this journey.
Though this course has come to an end, my journey as an action researcher has just begun. I am very much looking forward to embark on this journey toward not only the improvement of my school, but of myself as well as I grow to become a stronger leader in the field of education.

Reference
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.