Here We Go

Now the journey really begins.  Now I start the process this course has taught me.  The professors did such an excellent job guiding us through the planning process. This course has taught me the importance of action research in helping with professional development as an educator.  It has given me some wonderful examples of action research, and introduced me to some wonderful professionals who will help shape the future of our educational system.  I feel very fortunate to have been able to share my wonderings and thoughts about my research plan with my fellow colleagues to be able to have benefited from their expertise.  I look forward to sharing my research with these fellow researchers and following their research as I continue through on this journey of Action Research.  The last week has taught me how to begin the process of the research and planning it out.

The eight step model provided in the Harris text, (2010), was very beneficial in helping to think out the research project.  The CARE Model: Planning Tool was very helpful in organizing the thought process in developing the action research plan.  This model provided four specific areas that needed to be addressed in order to have a well developed plan.  The first step focuses the researcher’s thinking on the future.  It is important as a principal to always be looking for ways to make improvements and ways to improve efficiency.  The second step is just as important because if a program is working it needs to be managed and maintained.  The third step is the center of the research project making sure the data is clearly understood, interpreted and reported in a timely fashion.   The final step of the CARE Model is evaluation.  It is important that whatever changes are made they monitored and evaluated on a regular basis to maintain growth and aid in future research.

I am excited about beginning my research project and I never thought I would here myself say that.  I will just have to see where there journey takes me.