Reflection

     Time really does "fly by".  I can't believe we are into our 5th week of class.    This is my first graduate class and I have to admit I was nervous at first.  I have learned a lot about the organization it takes to be successful in an online graduate course, begun to dive into an exciting research progress, and lowered my anxiety of graduate school.
     Organization is a key component to success in online courses.  I learned to write down due dates of everything each week they are posted so as not to miss on important deadlines.  I also set aside days to work on certain things.  This is a graduate course which means it involves in depth thinking and assignments which isn't something you can do in one night.  Keeping track of responses, assignments, and double checking that the weekly assignments have been completed is a must.
     The fact that this class is an action research class means research is involved.  I love that I can research something involved with my classroom.  I am a data lover and have always been interested in researching what works and doesn't work in classrooms.  It is exciting to be able to come up with an official research project.  I have learned a lot about the many parts involved and the importance of breaking it down.  The timing couldn't be better because my school is just now being introduced to a math program that I am researching.  I will not only be able to see if this program is more beneficial than our previous program, but also save our school money by submitting my research to the Rocket Math Company.  all of this is what I am interested in and see myself doing once not in the classroom.
     Graduate school can be intimidating.  I teach during the day and have "teacher duties" at home with grading and planning, so adding to that plate is a scary thought.  I didn't know what it would be like or how I would balance two graduate courses.  Luckily, I am good at organizing my time and have found that it is possible to do all of this.  Each day I set aside time for myself, work, school, and always end the night with a good book.  I think a balance of personal time is important for sanity and have been able to do so as well as be successful with my coursework.
     I still can;t believe we are almost midway into the course but am happy to be part of it.  I have enjoyed my work with peers, the articles I have read, and the useful videos and technology tools offered to us.  Everything we do here can benefit our classroom and I have seen that each week.  So I can honestly say..so far, so good!