Week 2 - Lessons Learned

This week we were asked to watch two interviews with current school leaders who discussed action research projects and some suggestions for conducting action research. After watching and listening to these two scholars I wrote a summary of what I learned.

Dr. Timothy Chargois, Director of Research, Planning and Development in Beaumont ISD

Dr. Chargois discussed the area of effective and ineffective teachers and what teachers are doing that shows their ethical responsibilities toward student achievement. His suggestions for conducting action research were that the students and teachers involved in the research should have their identities protected and that if students are involved in the research, parental consent should be attained first. He also recommended that the research not be presented in a derogatory way or in a way that would injure the school’s reputation. He also encouraged any results of the research and/or project to be presented to the administration first so they could have the last stamp of approval. While watching and listening to Dr. Chargois, I learned that a good place to start with action research is to look at the connections between what the teachers are doing and the students’ academic achievement/performance. The goal should always be related to and benefitting the students. Teachers should also never stop growing and always strive to be action research oriented.

Dr. Kirk Lewis, Superintendent, Pasadena ISD

Dr. Lewis proposed an action research project for something called expectation graduation. This project would focus on helping 9^th grade students graduate on time. The way the research would be conducted is by taking a specific look at changing the way teachers deliver instruction and increasing the rigor of the courses. He suggested that when choosing an action research topic that you choose an area the is practical to you and that you can apply to student learning. While watching and listening to Dr. Lewis, I learned that in my action research project, I should be focused on the outcome and I should choose an area that interests me because the students will benefit from the results of research that is practical rather than something that is theoretical. After listening to Dr. Kirk’s advice, I feel reassured that my action research topic is on the right track.