Reflection on Action Research

Charolette Viser-Brown

EDLD 5301:  Research

November 8, 2010

Reflection on Action Research

When I first noticed action research as one of the required courses for Educational Technology Leadership program, I did not know what to expect.  First and foremost, I was fearful about taking this class because I haven’t had a lot of structure in researching data effectively as a business major and now crossing over to education.  In the past, I only looked at the economic factors of numbers and statistical data.  Since, I was so desperate and due for a change in my current profession; I started searching for a different career path that might strike my attention, to leave the world of business.  Convince, that I am ready to start a field that doesn’t always have stakeholders in mind, and the driving force of meeting budget short-falls by the end of the third quarter, I actually found myself looking for a career that I would find rewarding with some type of significant for my inner-self.  Once, I gradually started looking outside the box of what I really wanted in my new career objective, I then began to investigate more about technology leadership. 

With my new found quest for change, I thought, I have asked myself and my academic advisor all the right questions in guiding me where I can see myself fitting in.  In taking this action research course, I’m absolutely certain that I have made a great choice.  Now that I have taken this class, I’m no longer fearful in understanding what action research is all about.  What, I’ve learned about action research; it is not the monster that I thought it would be.  I understand the goal of action research is to gain deeper knowledge and understanding of what you are trying to research and accomplished by using different learning modules and exercises on how to effectively research your topic of interest. In the writing of authors Best and Kahn, “Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research”. Action research has made me more aware of what kind of information I need to pull from, and how to use that information in the most comprehensive aspect of what I’m trying to deliver or convey.  The most interesting thing about this class was the research topics that my fellow colleagues chose to implement in their action research plan.  One topic that has caught my attention and the hearts of many American is school bullying and Cyber-bullying.  “Cyber-bullying involves the use of information and communication technologies to support deliberate, repeated, and hostile behavior by an individual or group that is intended to harm others.” (Belsey. 2005)

Action research provides the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue within a field of practice for the benefit of all those involved.  The dialogue that takes place in our learning discussion each week provides a connective environment to the action research methodology.  Briefly describing a course of action to another individual helps to improve personal ideas and leads to knowledge in driving the discussion forum through reflection, and communicating to a larger audience as a whole.  As a student in an action research course, I have found value in writing a reflective blog.  Through reflection, I have become more courageous about my action research plan, the reactions and changes that are taking place within me and in my current field of study.  This practice has allowed me to examine and question my ideals and opinions.  Before action research, I have accepted my daily challenges without the knowledge of change.  As a result of action research, I can understand why change can become the upmost importance in my current environment.  Understanding how we learn gives me the opportunity to discover my strengths as an advocate learner. 

Action research creates a visual picture of inquiry that requires one to maintain a level of self-awareness at all times during the research process.  The ability to reflect on a certain action is only as strong as the level of active participation, our input and output.  To me, it is important to document everything, to contemplate, and to step away from the initial course of action, and focus beyond the already existed plan.  Engaging in action research has forced me to challenge past assumptions, understand and appreciate my current state at a deeper level, stand by personal goals and commitments, and open myself up to new ideas and changes.  EDLD 5301 has been an incredible experience in transforming my perception of action research.   

References

Belsey, B. (n.d). Retrieved November 7, 2010 from:  http://www.cyberbulling.ca/

Best, J.W., & Kahn, J.V. (1998).  Research in education (8^th ed.).  Needham Heights, MA:  Allyn and Bacon.