Even though we had completed a research course prior to this, as well as one in my masters program, this is the first time that I feel I truly understand what it means to analyze a research study as well as plan one for myself. I look back at my assignments from before and now I see why I did certain things. I feel as though before I was just checking off boxes on a rubric, and now I can apply this knowledge in my everyday professional life.
I am blessed to work in a school that allows us the freedom as teachers to do what we feel is best for our students instructionaly. The only thing that administration asks is that we can explain and use research to back-up or justify why we are using the instructional strategies we choose for our classroom. Before this applied field research course I used to rely on finding research in journals or on the Internet that I felt matched what my students needed. This course opened my eyes to see the importance, and relative ease, of completing my own research to truly find what my exact students need or want, instead of just finding research to match what I thought. While I have always worked to learn who my students are as learners, the ability to conduct my own research will help push me to learn even more.
In conjunction with my research from this semester, I see myself really focusing on the blended learning environment I am providing in my classroom. The students were able to give me some great feedback after just a quarter so I want to continue to to seek their feedback and adjust what I am doing with them after midterms and then again at the end of the year. I feel this group of students can really help guide me as I tweak my offerings for life science.
I am blessed to work in a school that allows us the freedom as teachers to do what we feel is best for our students instructionaly. The only thing that administration asks is that we can explain and use research to back-up or justify why we are using the instructional strategies we choose for our classroom. Before this applied field research course I used to rely on finding research in journals or on the Internet that I felt matched what my students needed. This course opened my eyes to see the importance, and relative ease, of completing my own research to truly find what my exact students need or want, instead of just finding research to match what I thought. While I have always worked to learn who my students are as learners, the ability to conduct my own research will help push me to learn even more.
In conjunction with my research from this semester, I see myself really focusing on the blended learning environment I am providing in my classroom. The students were able to give me some great feedback after just a quarter so I want to continue to to seek their feedback and adjust what I am doing with them after midterms and then again at the end of the year. I feel this group of students can really help guide me as I tweak my offerings for life science.