Action Research Project: In what ways does integrating technology, to create, improve, and/or motivate good study habits for 7th grade Jr. High students, help to improve their grades?
The purpose of my proposed action research study would first of all be to identify the learning style of each of my students. By identifying their learning style I could find ways in which I can integrate technology into their style. I believe I would also need to research about particular technology, software, programs, applications that interest middle school students. Another area of interest for me would be to gather demographical data of each of my students to see how there is a correlation between this data and their grades. I am sure that along the way of my action research project I will come upon practical research that will guide my project forward.
When I share my work with others I open up a form of critical thinking that leads to questions, discussions, debate, and other related topics. This whole sharing process would help us push and extend our thoughts. Therefore, leading to other action research ideas. In the Dana text a great simile was given, “An unshared practitioner inquiry is like the stone lying beside the pond. Unless that inquiry is tossed into the professional conversation that contributes to the knowledge base for teaching and administration, it has little chance of creating change. However, once tossed in, it disturbs the status quo of educational practices, creating a ripple effect…” (Dana 135-136).
Any one inquiry can have more than one audience. Therefore it is important to share your inquiry with others who share your same role. The sharing can be either informal or formal, depending on each situation. When sharing we must keep in mind that not all audiences will agree with our inquiry, which may lead to controversy or discomfort. So, we need to be careful about who, what, and how we share our work with. (Dana 138-139)
Throughout the school year 2012-13 in which my action research project will take place, I will regularly share the progress and process of my action research project with my mentor, team teacher, and with other teachers within my grade level. I will share, and collaborate, my progress and process to gain feedback from other teachers on what technical strategies they are using in their classrooms to improve their student’s grades. Most of my preliminary work will be shared orally in various formal and informal meetings and emails with other coworkers, and mentors. Throughout my research I will collect data, such as lesson plans, progress notes, report cards, email logs, and teacher reflective journal. It is also critical that I gather data from experts, and/or other resources available that support my action research project. Once I have gathered the data, analyzed it, reflected on my finding (on what works and what doesn’t), I will have gathered enough evidence to provide concluding thoughts and share my findings with my colleagues and other audiences who may follow my professional blog: http://www.lamaestramartinez.blogspot.com/
This action research project is most important because it will prepare our 7th graders for when they become 8th graders and have to fulfill the promotional requirements. We want our promotional rates to be as close to 100%, if not 100%, as possible. My goal is to use technology to engage these students in improving and motivating them to create better study habits in order to improve their grades. I will learn about new ideas, strategies, and techniques that will help me become a better teacher and prepare me for an administrative position. It is essential that I share my finding with my colleagues and that I am open to suggestions/concerns. By doing so, I will be exposing myself to new future inquiries. In addition, my action research project would be mostly significant to the students because they will be the ones benefitting the most, they will create life-long habits that will be with them throughout their education and beyond.
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