CH 1- (Entry 2)

As I said in my last post, I am kind of weary of the term research. Learning that Action Research was geared towards education and benefits the actual classroom was helpful. As I read chapter 1, I became more aware what we were actually going to do this semester. Action research takes teaching to a higher level. It allows you to review on your teaching, the student’s learning, and what you can do to improve both. Using the scientific method, we will conduct research in our own class setting. Then with the data that we collect we improve on the area that we focused the study. As it stated in our text, there are many outsiders pointing to ways for us (teachers) to improve our classrooms. However, as each class is different the solution will be different. At my school we are currently developing curriculum maps. Although I feel that they will be helpful, I don’t think that the maps will fix all of the intended problems. Action Research would be most helpful if a certain problem was noted. If all second grade teachers would focus on one area and them compare notes on the data that we find, I feel that more decisive actions could take place. Another aspect that the Author pointed out that I found helpful was of the pre-service teacher. Since I have only been teaching for one and half years, I feel that there is a lot that I can still learn to improve my teaching. Focusing on one of my areas of concern and finding a solution will help me feel more confident in my teaching. Now that I have a better understanding of what we are to do, I will try to come up with a list of ideas to improve in my own classroom.