When I began this course, I was not in the least bit, excited about doing research. What came to mind was the old senior English research paper of old (and I do mean old-1983 to be exact!), and I thought, “ugh! I don’t want to do this!” Well – I was wrong! Come to find out, I already do this on a regular basis, and if fact, was already looking at my own personal topic out of necessity in my own particular district/campus. It was exciting to know that I was already doing something that good leaders do and that there was a way in which to do it.
At our school/campus, we have implemented PLC’s - Professional Learning Communities. Through our PLC meetings, many of the ideas of what I am currently researching have evolved. This gives me clarity and sets a path for what I am researching. It also is evoking many other topics/wonderings, that I am anxious to look into and research.
I have found the discussion boards to be very interesting to read, also. I am curious as to the topics that everyone has chosen for their research, but I am also elated as to the connections that many of us have in our wonderings – and none of us work together. Many wonderings that my other classmates have had and have chosen are similar to some of the wonderings that I have. It tells me that we are all on the “same page” so to speak, without duplicating each other’s work. I am anxious to continue reading about what others are doing and seeing how I use their research to help my campus and district.
One thing I will most definitely say about this course – I feel as if I ramble on and on. I am continually going back and editing what I am saying, because I feel as if I’ve already said it! I’m not sure if this is because I am unclear on the assignment, or if it is just because of the way the assignments are laid out. I also feel the books seem to say the same things over and over. Again – not sure if it is me, or just the time frame and the inability to really connect to the text. I feel as if I know what is being asked of me – and have a plan for relaying that information back, but when I am asked, I do not feel I was asked in a manner that was conducive for my reply. I’ve talked with others on the discussion boards who have felt the same way. I am hoping that having more time to really look at the text, meet with my intern supervisor and others, that I can more closely relate my “plans” to the way/design of the course plans.
I am wanting to really get into blogging more. As of today, no one has commented on my blog which disappoints me, however, again, I feel as if what I am “required” to blog about is not what’s on my blog…uncertainty prevails again. But I am committed to continue blogging and hoping that those circumstances change. I know that it is the closest thing to sitting around with a group of classmates and discussing the class we just were in. I miss that by being “online.” Convenience has it’s place, but so does the classroom.
The discussion boards were great! I loved seeing what all everyone was researching. Like I said earlier, it has generated other ideas for research in my own mind. I will be watching the blogs to see where things go. The only thing I didn’t like was the reply format. Again, it feels like by the discussion boards, the blogging, the assignment, that we are saying the same things over and over. It became a little frustrating.
I personally miss the little summative quiz at the end of the videos. Personally, know that those were coming made me really concentrate and listen better. Just a thought…
I know that personally I will be using the texts in the upcoming weeks as I continue with my research. I am hoping that I can really sit down with each book and really learn from them. Five weeks is a little fast…and when you work full/plus time like many of us do, it feels hurried. But they are definitely tools I will use.
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