For me, this class felt easier that the first course. I tend to be a detail-oriented person, so this type of activity is good for me. While I was frustrated at times due to the nature of my work schedule during this course, I still felt confident that I would be able to finish successfully.
I think one area that originally seemed daunting to me was the actual creation of the research plan. While I am confident in my skills, when I try new things I tend to need some reassurance that I am on the right track. It was difficult to get that from site supervisor this time around. This wasn’t because she isn’t supportive, it was simply because of the extended break that we had for Thanksgiving, in addition to the recruiting schedule that she had to maintain.
I really liked the Tool 7.1 Action Planning Template on page 85 of the Harris et al. text. When creating my action plan, that tool was extremely useful for me. When looking at the action research plans, some of them were very long and, in my own opinion, too wordy. I feel that this tool helped to prevent mine from falling into that trap. In writing my plan, I tried to keep in mind that the individuals that will be reviewing my plan are exceptionally busy. These people need the documents that I ask them to review to be concise. If I presented them with an action plan that wasn’t clearly defined or concise, the likelihood that they would review it in detail would be significantly reduced.
I also feel like I learned a great deal when we were reflecting on the nine passions as detailed in the Dana text on pages 32 – 64. I liked that we had to focus on the BENEFITS of each passion and not the challenges of each passion. It seems to me that we often focus on how difficult and challenging and time-consuming leadership can be. I am not looking at my world through rose-colored glasses, but I also hope that in my role as an administrator I will be able to be a positive influence on my campus. I want to be someone who is there for my students, their families, and my staff. I hope that I am able to develop an open and trusting relationship with the people my campus serves. I feel that that positive influence can begin with activities like what we have done with the nine passions. I think it would be of GREAT use on my current campus to have the teachers look at the needs we have, but instead of focusing on the negatives and how daunting they are, focus on the positives. How much can we do to grow? What can we learn together? How would having us as positive role models affect our students’ lives? Instead of harping on students for not having their shirts tucked in, maybe we should try PRAISING them for coming to school ready to learn. I would like to see every child given some kind of positive affirmation every day. Maybe instead of looking forward to coming to school just because there is food there and their friends are there, they will look forward to coming to school because they know that at least one person will be happy to see them and tell them so.
I do wish that I had received more responses to my blogs and discussion board posts. When we are required to reflect on 2 responses, but there weren’t 2 responses to reflect upon, it seems like it is impossible to meet the requirements. Other than that and a few technical glitches, I feel like I have learned a great deal. I was especially proud that my site supervisor didn’t feel that any changes needed to be made to the action plan. My site supervisor is the epitome of excellence. She holds herself and those around her to an extremely high standard. That being said, it is rare to hear from her that something is perfect right away. Usually, her response is “This is good, but have you considered…?” I was very proud that she raved about what a good job she thought I had done, especially in considering the input from all affected people and the opportunities to reflect upon and respond to the effectiveness or lack thereof of any changes we make.
I think my favorite video in this course was the last one (Week 5). It isn’t because of what I learned necessarily, but because the professors, Dr. Arterbury and Dr. Jenkins, seemed to be having a good time. You can always tell that the two of them are passionate about the subject of leadership in Education. However, in this video, it was good to see the relationship a little unscripted. I think that some of the most productive relationship building is done when a team is having fun. It’s hard to resent the learning you are doing when you are having fun. I hope I always remember that and plan staff development that allows my faculty to develop trusting relationships while having fun.
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