Recognizing the Misperceptions:

A Reflection on the Preface and chapters 1-3 in

Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators

My broad, innovative plan with its many variables poses an exciting opportunity yet a challenge when facing the focused world of action research. While concerned about narrowing down, I believe this course will equip me with the skills to craft a well-designed action research plan to implement with willing participants. My coursework has built a solid foundation, progressively refining my knowledge and preparing me for this graduate program's capstone experience. Action research, while specific, offers the unique advantage of course correction during data collection, making it a perfect fit for refining my broader innovation plan.

My innovation plan aims to measure the impact of project-based learning in a blended learning environment driven by teacher and learner choice. However, recognizing the need for a sharper focus for action research, my research question has narrowed to "What impact does using Seesaw in station rotation have on PK learner's language development?" This specific focus arose from both a teacher request and a previous task involving Seesaw and oral language development in a diverse, multilingual school population. Currently, teachers are actively learning the platform, participating in coaching cycles, and learning how to incorporate the tool into their current classroom structures.

My desired data plan involves beginning-of-the-year language skill assessments, followed by Seesaw implementation with language-building activities, and post-year assessments. In comparison, a control group of students in a similar setting not using Seesaw would be crucial.

Beyond traditional assessments, I value teacher and student surveys throughout the process. Given the teacher-driven nature of this research, I want a holistic view of the impact on learners, not just relying on test scores. Once I define "language skills" more precisely, identifying measurable behaviors and actions will be easier and will better support my influencer plan.

While narrowing down my broader vision feels challenging, I'm embracing learning how to turn this plan into action research. This course offers the opportunity for dedicated time in learning the tools and framework to transform my innovation plan into a focused and insightful study, ultimately enriching my understanding of student learning in blended environments and being able to share that experience with others.

Reference

Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (6th ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.