What I have learned.....

When I read the words Action Research, I have to admit that I was a little terrified. Research to me seems like I long process for nerdy people, but the more I have looked into action research I have changed my mind. I might just have to become a nerdy person, but this is right up my alley. Every day I question whether the job I am doing is effective. Do I help or hurt my students in my classroom? Are they learning better by the project based learning I teach or is it better to just give them a book? These are questions I ask myself and now with this class, I can go out and feel comfortable finding the answers. For the most part, I think I know the answer to the questions. I just need hard evidence to prove to myself and others that what I am doing is effective. Students need a chance to learn different than I had to, which was by book and paper. Some teachers I teach with are using their SmartBoards as a white board and not an interactive tool. I hope to change their minds and help them not be so scare to think outside the box. So, I am going to take the opportunity to keep doing what I have been doing in my classrooms and make sure with hard proof that it is the right way to be teaching kids. Then, I will have what I need to maybe just maybe help restructure our school system.