Reflections on the Course

Reflections on the Course

Lectures

The lectures for this course seemed to be a bit more relaxed than and not as intense as the previous course; however, they were very informative.  The advice Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins gave concerning principal inquiry processes was truly inspirational and beneficial.  They provided that voice of confidence that was needed to complete the task.  Their insight to the research process was an added help when addressing concerns and problems with my project.  The videos also give the course some personality rather than just words on a page.

Readings

The readings introduced me to administrative inquiry and its process in through a comprehensible text.  Dana (2009) clearly explains the steps, 1) pose a question, 2) collect data, 3) analyze data/read literature pertaining to the topic, 4) make changes, and 5) share findings.  On the other hand, Harris (2010) gives an eight step process that provides more detail and includes more reflection at the end of the process.  The texts also provided detailed examples of inquiry that allowed me to obtain a clear understanding of what areas can be researched.   Finally, both of the texts served as easily accessible resources for developing my plan and assessing it as well.

Searches, like electronic searches of topics and questions

The searches were useful in the fact that they gave me ideas on what to research; however, most of the inquiry should be based on local issues within the campus or district.  The searches are great for gaining insight as to what can be researched and also can be used to see what other districts, comparable to our district’s socio-economic breakdown, are researching. 

Assignments and activities

The assignments were closely aligned to the expectations and goals of the course.  I, more than likely, would not have taken the time to look more closely at my inquiry project had the course not provided questions and opportunities to do so.  Posting the CARE Model as it relates to my research plan was truly effective as well.  The four steps in assessing the project covered most areas that I had overlooked or had not even considered, so taking my project through that model help me feel more comfortable with my project and the expectations of concerns, affirmations, recommendations, and evaluation of the inquiry plan. 

Discussion Board

The discussion boards are a terrific tool for bouncing ideas off of each other and communicating with classmates about their projects.  Looking at someone else’s inquiry gave me another perspective on my own inquiry.  The feedback I received over my postings was direct and informative as well.  Ideas for enhancing my inquiry were detailed and clearly explained not to mention very helpful. 

Blogs

The blogs also were helpful; however, I still am not too comfortable with using mine.  I feel I am not effective in communicating through my blog, but it will take some getting used to.  Gaining the experience of using a blog has helped in the fact that I am more comfortable now even though I am not totally comfortable.  I do not feel that the feedback on the blogs was as effective as the feedback on the discussion board.  I am not sure if it is because of the accessibility or the comfort level, but the only one to comment on my blog was Dr. Mason.  I also saw people begging on the discussion board for people to comment on their blogs.