Chapter #1 - What? So What? Now What?

WHAT?

The four main categories of research studies are: descriptive research, correlational research, experimental research & action research. Below is a description of each type of research:

1 - Descriptive Research: Descriptive research helps describe how things are. Usually descriptive studies deal with numbers; percentages, frequencies & averages. It describes a situation and establishes what, how or why something is happening.

2 - Correlational Research: Correlational research helps us learn about the relationship of two or more things. It helps us draw a conclusion about how two things relate or effect each other. It establishes an association or relationship between two variables.

3 - Experimental Research: Experimental research helps determine the cause and effect and involves the manipulation of one thing (independent variable) to determine the outcome of another (dependent variable).

4 - Action Research: Action research is usually conducted by teachers, principals or staff to address issues they are experiencing in their own classroom or school. A study performed to determine their own practices and evaluate the strategies to improve the practice or outcome.

SO WHAT?

As teachers, we will need to make decisions daily about how we teach, how the students respond to what we teach and what we can do to improve our classroom environment so everyone will benefit from our decisions. By using our common sense we can make many decisions on our own. However, in order for us to make the best decisions for our class to benefit the students learning experiences over a long period of time, it's important to also base our decisions on current research findings, theories and developments.

By knowing about educational research, we will be better critical and reflective thinkers who find classroom strategies to become better teachers and improve our students learning. As we better understand how students learn and develop, we will be able to have a rewarding teaching experience where all will be edified.

NOW WHAT?

I know that I have a lot more that I need to learn about educational research before I will be able to use it in own classroom. By learning more about the types of research, I'll be able to determine the types of studies that I should concdentrate on to be able to apply it in my own teaching style. I also need to learn where to turn for credible research and how to determine if a study performed is an accurate study so that I can use the best strategies from the credible studies that I've researched.

I believe that teachers probably use action research the most in their decision making as they try different techniques in their classroom to create the best learning environments possible for the students. It's my goal that when I experience opportunities in my classroom where I am looking for improvements or ideas, that I'll be able to turn to credible educational research to help me find my answers and that I am able to perform my own research in my classroom that will benefit my students and give me answers specific to my class.

Assignment #1 - Motivation

1. Why are you here (in the teacher education program, in this class, at UVU)?

It's amazing where life takes you.

I started my journey 20 years ago at UVCC to become an elementary school teacher. I always wanted to be a school teacher. At the time, UVCC didn't have a program in Elementary Education of their own but was working on offering one through Weber State University. Through a series of events I was unable to complete my degree in Elementary Education because the program wasn't ready when I completed my Associates Degree and a lot of the classes I already took didn't transfer over. As a result I went to hair school to become a hair stylist instead.

After doing hair in a salon for several years, I was given a chance to work in the field of construction where I have been employed for the last 10 years. I have enjoyed all of my experiences and opportunities I've had but have always wanted to go back and finish my degree in education. Due to the downsizing economy, my position was eliminated in construction and I was laid off in December 2008.

After I was laid off, I came to UVU to see how many credits I had and what it would take to complete my degree. I've heard so many wonderful things about the Education Program at UVU and love the fact that I'll be able to finish my degree at the University that I attended when it was only a Community College. I was wonderfully surprised to find out that everything I started earlier carried through and that I was able to start right away into the program. The academic advisers have been great and have helped me work everything out to be able to start up immediately on my new journey.

My sister was in the first graduating class for Elementary Education at Utah Valley State College and had a great experience. She's a wonderful teacher. I look forward to being a teacher as well and am proud to be a part of the program now through UVU to finish what I started 20 years ago.

2. What motivates you?

I am a goal oriented person. There's nothing like the feeling of accomplishment I receive when I reach my goals. When I decide that I want to accomplish something, I'll do everything possible to accomplish that goal. I like to set small goals to help me accomplish my large goals. I want to be successful at whatever I do. I'm not a half-way person. I won't commit to something that I don't intend to do. If I tell someone (or myself) that I'm going to do something, you can count on me doing it. I stand by my word.

3. Why do you succeed?

I take pride in my ability to be an organized person. I'm able to keep track of things that need to be done and follow them through to the end. I'm also not afraid to do new things. In my last job, I was promoted from data entry to department manager because I was able and willingness to learn new things.

I also believe that in order to succeed, you need to not be afraid to try new things. This doesn't mean that everything you do will be successful. Just as long as you are able to take what you learn from past experiences and failures and build upon them to make the next experience a success.

4. Why do you fail?

The times that I fail the most are when I don't have enough confidence in my abilities and let the fear of failure prevent me from trying new things. I also find failure when I let what other people say about me stop my progress. As a child, I had a piano teacher who told me that I can't read music. Instead of trying to help me learn how to read the music, she let me use that as an excuse on why I wasn't a good piano player. Because of this I eventually stopped taking lessons and haven't really progressed beyond that.

5. How do you need to change your motivations and mindset for this class in order to become a great teacher?

I need to have confidence in my abilities and not only believe that I can succeed in this class, but also as a teacher. I also need to work with everything I have to be successful. I know that my organizational abilities will help and that I have the support I need from family and friends who believe in my abilities.

Hidden Assignment - Course Contract

1. List 2-3 specific goals you have for this course:

a. I would like to not only pass this class with an excellent grade, but I want to enjoy the journey and find ways to apply the knowledge that I have gained into my own classroom.

b. I would like to gain a better understanding of who I am and how to interact with others better. As a teacher, you need to be able to work with your students, parents, other teachers and administration on a daily basis.

c. I want to come away from each class with something that excites me and motivates me to want to learn more about the topics that we discussed.

2. Describe your weekly preparation plan. Be specific. What will you do each day of the week to prepare for this course:

I have already saved the class site as one of my "favorites". I plan to become very familiar with this site. I plan to reflect daily on what I've done to prepare myself for this class. I like the analogy given in class that "the only way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time". Since I'm coming back to school after a very long absence, I know that I'm going to feel overwhelmed and anxious about all the assignments before me. By doing a little bit each day and always keeping it on my mind, I'll be able to accomplish all that is required of me (one bite at a time).

3. Outline the study strategies that you will use to understand the material:

I plan to meet with a study group at least 2 times a week. Prior to meeting with my study group, I will read the assigned materials so that I will benefits from and be able to contribute to the success of the group. I am a hands-on person who needs many different techniques to memorize facts. When preparing for tests, I will probably make flashcards or study sheets that I can review and carry with me in addition to the previous strategies listed above.

4. Explain the process you will follow if you do not understand a topic:

1st - I will study it out on my own and try to find the answer through the textbook book, class web-site, or notes taken during class lectures.
2nd - If I still don't understand a topic, I will go to my study group and/or other members of the class to see if they can help me understand it better.
3rd - If after studying it out on my own and asking other class members I still don't understand, I will contact the instructor for further enlightenment.

It's always better to ask for help then not understand a concept.

5. Complete the following statement: I will reach my goals in this course by...

a. I will have a positive attitude. If I let myself get frustrated with the class, I won't be open to the knowledge that will be learning. I also won't enjoy the journey and will dread coming to class. If I have a smile on my face and try to find the positive, I will be able to accomplish anything I set my mind to.

b. I will do my part. Whenever I attend class and/or my study group, I need to come prepared to share and learn from others. This will help me feel a passion for the class and I will be able to succeed at accomplishing my goals.