Reflective Fieldnote Blog Entry #3 - Action Research

Section #1 / Thoughts about action research—in general—as a tool to improve practice.

I really like action research and now that I have 3 projects under my belt I feel as if it is something that I can actually do in my classroom on a regular basis to actually improve practice.
We recently received our observation requirements for tenure and looking at something called the Educator Information Record it is not daunting because I can conduct action research easily to provide for this record required for my observations.
I also really liked completing the action research project that we were required to do for this class because I can actually see myself doing this in the future with other issues that I am struggling with. I know in the future I will struggle with a classroom practice or objective or how I am covering something and I can see myself using action research to decide where I need to change or improve my instructional practices.

Section #2 / Ideas generated as a result of your project.

I researched whether or not cooperative group work actually improved student grades and retention. It did, so now I have set a goal for myself to make sure I use some sort of cooperative grouping with every topic I cover. I tend to value independent work because I want students to be working independently and completing tasks in a timely manner. But, after doing this research I really want my students to work in more groups because it does help with retention and it really helps build comminity in the classroom, as well as help students with their ability to communicate and form work relationships.

Section #3 / Suggestions to other ESL professionals based on your findings.

I would like to suggest to other ESL professionals that they should try and find another teacher in their building who would be willing to work with them and their students in a larger cooperative grouping community. The students did really enjoy working with students and a teacher that they did not normally get to work with. And it really helps cement the idea of a learning community in the school.

I would also suggest to other ESL professionals that they should make sure to use cooperative groups with their students to aide in retention. Students work well in groups when they understand their expectations and have the freedom to explore the relationships they may have with group members. If anything cooperative groups are good for students because they are forced to use the target language, thus they are learning.

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Jennifer Lassen - 10-12-2010