I'm feeling frustrated and confused about my action research topic. I know what I want to look at and why but something just doesn't feel right about how I'll conduct the research. I tend to always second-guess myself.
I enjoyed the interview videos this week. It's amazing how much we can learn from other administrators and people with significant experience in education. I also enjoyed reading about the nine common areas of action research. The Dana text is very informative and I'm learning so much from it.
I hope to get a clear head about my action research plan soon. My site supervisor suggested another topic that he is passionate about. But he gave me the freedom to choose my topic. Through our readings and listening to the lectures, I know it is beneficial to research a topic I am passionate about. Just looking for clarity and reassurance that my topic is the right one.
I agree that there is a lot of uneasiness as we struggle to find our action research topic and think about ways we will conduct our research. I think you will be fine once you actually start your research.
ReplyDeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteThanks for following my blog during tonight's web conference. After reading your post, I realized that you are expressing a lot of what I am feeling, too. I really want to select a research topic that I am passionate about. I think I have a good one, but am still second guessing myself, too. The more I read and the more I listen to the videos and web conferences, the more confidence and knowledge that I gain. I too, have really enjoyed the interviews and reading in the Dana text. Hang in there and good luck with your topic. If it is what you described during tonight's web conference, it sounds like a great one.
Best Wishes,
Cindy
Tonight's web conference added some clarity for me. I picked my 'issue' almost immediately because it has been a topic in our department. I have asked colleagues in our office, "so what happens if half the students don't demonstrate technology literacy on the test?"
ReplyDeleteMy concern is when I start asking questions, gathering data and turning over rocks, I may get shut down. :-) It could get interesting.
On the list of action research plans Dr. Abshire sent you were looking at changing attitudes of students and increasing their enrollment in post-secondary education. I've chosen a very similar topic (if this is still your project plan) and would love to have someone with a similar plan to bounce ideas off of!
ReplyDeleteI think this whole project could be interesting as we all learn to learn on our own at our campuses!
I look forward to seeing your progress on your project!
Tandi,
DeleteI actually changed my mind for my action research plan. But I look forward to following your plan! I work with the GEAR UP grant which is a college-readiness program. If you have any questions let me know! Best of luck to you!
Kate
It is hard to choose a topic...your frustration and hesitation is shared by me....I have also had a hard time with mine...I know what I want to do, but at the same time cannot seem to narrow it down to a feasable one.
ReplyDeleteThe dana text has been great help, and it does help make thing way clear and easier to follow.
I do agree with Tandi that the project will be interesting because we have to change our perspective and learn on our own.
I will keep checking you blog for progress...wish you the best of luck!
Kate I think you have to do something you are passionate about. If not you may not put your all into it. I chose my action research based on a program that I had already asked to implement. Something I already had a desire to do. I know it's the right choice. When it's the right thing you will know because you will want to see it through. Remember what you put out for this class doesn't have to be what you end up doing. Continue to think about what you are passionate about.
ReplyDeleteKate I understand your frustration. My action research plan totally changed from the beginning of this course. What I have found is reading literature on your interest can help shape the direction of your question. I have not seen your your topic, but I am going to give you a link to a site created by the centers for disease control that contains several survey assessment that mainly deal with student violence, but have several surveys that will benefit other areas of education. It may be totally useless, but I am sharing with everyone.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/YV_Compendium.pdf
Kate,
ReplyDeleteI also felt frustrated when deciding on my action research plan. For one all I could think about was that we have to get through STAAR testing before I can even get anyone to listen to me or participate in what I am trying to do. Then my site mentor wanted my project to be more labor. She suggested that I make resources for my campus to use. She actually wanted me to make things for K-4 to use as if I had the time. I don't think she gets where this was going so I had to go with one of the interviews we watched. I decided to go with what I was passionate about so that I would be giving it my all. I appreciate you being open and honest in your blog.