TE 808 Course Reflection

TE 808 Reflection

      I didn’t know what to expect when taking this course.  I knew it was a research class but honestly did not make the connection that I would actually be doing an action research project.  I learned a lot about myself and it gave me insight into what career paths I am interested in for the future.

       The first thing I realized is how much this course has influenced my teaching practice.  I now see various components to my teaching and think about what results it is producing and what findings I can discuss and/change.  I think of my teaching as research into what best practices I can do for my students.

       Another thing this course has done for me is made me realize how interested in research I am.  I love teaching but after conducting this project as a teacher I see myself growing and expanding in other areas as well due to the simple fact of how fascinating it truly is.

       I have also learned from my students from this course.  The technology tools and videos were of interest to me and therefore I used them often in my classroom.  My students showed me how interested in technology they are and I appreciate having that tool for them.  I never would have thought I would have students blogging this year.

       This class has also helped me get an understanding for how busy schedules can get with various deadlines.  I have a vivid picture of how to organize my assignments to produce quality work but not to get bogged down or overwhelmed with having a teaching job as well.  I can organize my schedule in a way that benefits me and I found this course to aid in that organization.

       In reflecting, I would have to say the most challenging part would be the amount of time it took for the literature review.  The articles were lengthy and finding articles that pertained to my research was time consuming.   The beneficial part was seeing my research produce successful data.  I was convinced through this research how beneficial the Rocket math program was to my students and have buy in with it now.

       Lastly, if someone told me they were taking course I would urge them to be organized.  This was so important as not only did being organized effect me but also my peers with partner activities.  I would tell them to make sure they could vest their time in this class full heartedly as it is not one you can simply do bare minimum.  I would also tell them how much they will learn and the interesting research you can do and how wonderful it was to choose my own research!