Month 2, MLT – Action Research Capstone Areas of Interests Blog Entry:
1. After evaluating your professional environment, what area(s) of interest have you focused on for your Action Research Capstone project?
After 10 year as a 6th grade English teacher at a rural middle school, I switched to teaching Computer Technology for grades 6-8 (at the same school). With this new position, I have jumped into an area that is both familiar (the computers) and unfamiliar (teaching a new curriculum and using web 2.0 tools). I really want to focus my AR project in an area that will benefit my students, and me as well. I have so many areas of interest. I have not entirely narrowed it down yet. I know I want my big idea to be personalized learning at the middle school level. Now, from here… I have several ideas swirling around in my head. I am currently looking at using technology (specifically web 2.0 tools) to engage students in their learning process. Recently, I came across several peer-reviewed articles discussing brain based learning strategies to enhance personalized learning. These articles were rather fascinating and informative. I am also interested in looking at the topic of collaboration in a web 2.0 environment. Right now, I really see a need for this in my own classroom.
2. Why have you chosen this direction?
I choose personalized learning because I believe all students learn and interpret information in various ways. I can’t say that all students should learn or “get it” while I am lecturing to the class. To me this is an old-fashioned mind set. Today’s young society is continuously on-the-go, impatient, and technology savvy and teachers need to tailor their curriculum to fit the needs of this society. I am also the mother of two highly gifted girls, and 1 severely delayed girl. I am not sure I could tell you what “normal” looks like. Although gifted, my oldest and youngest have two very distinct learning styles, proving that they don’t learn and absorb information in the same way. Just like my middle daughter who is severely delayed can’t be taught in a cookie cutter method either. She is different from all the other special ed students she is with. I have always been a big believer of personalized learning – even as a student in middle school and high school, I remember thinking, “If I could only do it this way, it makes more sense to me.” I am a computer-a-holic – if there is such a person. I really like the idea of using the computer to be able to learn and learn at my own pace, in a way that I understand. For me, the recently discovered web 2.0 tools I am currently using in my classroom are really neat. I can’t wait to use more. However, i need to use them correctly in order for my students to obtain the most benefit. The brain-based learning theory has been around a while, I remember studying it 10 years ago as a new teacher. I have forgotten most of the ideas and don’t really implement any of the theory or strategies. After reading the articles, I found a renewed interest or maybe even passion. I want to find a way to combine all of these together, and that is why I have chosen this direction to go in… for now.
3. Describe your target audience. How do you anticipate them playing a role in ensuring that your results will make a difference in your environment?
My target audience is 6th – 8th graders or 11-15 year olds in a rural farming community. I also need to say that 61% of the schools population is free and reduced lunch. We have two universities in town and cater to an abnormally large gifted student population. Lastly, our population is a transient one. The universities bring in new people frequently, along with the local factories and large farming operations, but these people (especially the professors) usually only stay 1-3 years. I really think these students will be open to what ever I throw at them this year since it is my first year in this position, and 2) I have already changed the curriculum from the past. My 8th graders have been wonderful guinea pigs. They know we are going to have epic failures and wonderful success this year and they have already signed on for the ride. They tell me that they like the direction I am going with the class so far.
4. You should have started researching the current literature surrounding your topic, please describe any challenges/difficulties you are having with this process and/or any helpful hints/tips that you have discovered to make this process easier.
One of my biggest problems is that there is so much literature out there. I am feeling overwhelmed at having to read it all. I know I don’t have to read it all, but I am afraid I might miss something “really good.” Time is another struggle, especially with working on rewriting and implementing a new curriculum. I will get it figured out – in time to graduate. On the up side, I love to research and read about new ideas, strategies, and concepts that will make me a better teacher and help my students be more engaged and learn more.
Stacey Kramer 