This posting seems to be duplicative of previous postings, but this form was in the course materials, so I have put the information in the blog again.  The directions to upload neither define a place for the upload, nor provide a button to upload on EPIC, so I hope this is correct.  I will also put this in my Wiki, diannes@wikispaces.com.

II-006 Teacher (Staff) Evaluation and Development

 Course-Embedded Internship Log – 8 Action Research

Course Number: EDLD 5301: Research

Place of Activity Lamar University

Time Spent on Activity 8 hours

Personal Reflections/Learning

Dana (2009) explains clearly why the traditional research models are not effective in a dynamic school environment.  The research done by students is geared for academia, perhaps for publication and is often too complex to be applied to daily needs.  The research done by educators for teachers to use is too far removed from the classroom to be realistic or helpful.  The emerging research model called action inquiry perhaps shows more promise as a tool for dynamic educational environments (Dana, 2009).  Dana points out that when one thinks of research the mind thinks of time-consuming, high-brow, reading and data gathering.  When one thinks of inquiry, however, the mind is able to visualize a simple question with a few simple answers.  Simply changing the terminology to include inquiry will cause more teachers to attempt this method, Dana implies.  I believe her conclusion is correct, based on my own experiences presenting my plan to my mentor.  He was dreading my coming to him with a research plan, but when I told him it was a simple question and answer project, an inquiry, he relaxed visibly. I have learned that a simple plan can yield meaningful results and that simple plans are more easily “sold” to those who are needed to participate in the inquiry. The dynamic person sees, thinks, does, reflects and repeats the cycle. This course has helped remind me of those essentials. Reference Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Revised 11-20-08

Description of the Activity                    Students engage in identifying an action research topic(s) or research questions and designing a draft action research plan completing a recommended template or format of a blueprint of the action research plan.

The description of my plan and the template are already posted on this blog.  See the earlier postings for these assignments.