How is your AR cycle 1 unfolding for you?
Although I haven’t completed my first cycle of writing at the time of this posting I feel a lot of things are starting to look up and that the research and the project are starting to gain momentum and, if you don’t mind the cliché, the project is starting to gain a life of its own. My greatest delay in the completion of my first cycle comes from my inability to narrow my focus on Asperger’s Syndrome and with such a broad scope I found myself gathering great information but not knowing how to apply or use that information. Soon the stress of the project and the lack of a defined direction caused me to find myself swimming in a sea of doubts and really questioning whether I could even finish my program at Full Sail. Here out west we have a saying that “sometimes it’s hard to see the forest for the trees”, that phrase basically described the place where I found myself in my research, too many trees and no forest. Sometimes when you’re lost the hardest thing to do is ask for directions, maybe it’s a guy thing, maybe it’s a pride thing, I suspect it’s a little of both, in any event I needed a GPS to find out where I was in the AR universe. My GPS was not named Garmin it was named Roxanne; Roxanne not only helped me find out where I was but she also calmed my fears and gave me some confidence that I was not that far off the path. She helped me thin the trees to find the forest. With renewed focus and a great direction I am now able to fine tune my cycle and get specific information as I research and conduct interviews.
What has been a surprise with your results?
I can’t say that my preliminary results have given me any earth shattering revelations but what I can say is that I never realized how emotional the response would be from the parents that I interviewed. In most cases the parents have been really grateful for this type of research and for the hoped outcome of the website to instruct teachers in communicating with Asperger affected students. Perhaps the greatest surprise that I have personally encountered is how my research has challenged and changed me personally, making me more sensitive and more focused on trying to effect change in the classroom.
What tweaks are you making for your next cycle of research?
Having yet to finish my first cycle I can’t specifically say what my tweaks will be but if I had to guess I would say that most of them would be to focus on clarity and fine tuning the direction of communication.
What is the overall participant’s response?
The response of everyone I have worked with has been overwhelmingly supportive and they are really hoping that my project succeeds.
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Patrick, your passion for your project is very clear. I can see that your heart is in it and have no doubt that you will come up with a valuable resource for educators dealing with challenges such as Asperger's in their classrooms. Have you found a website that you think you might pattern yours after? Perhaps there is something out there addressing a different issue, but with a great structure, if you haven't already come up with something on your own. I know you are very creative, and could do this without a problem. It is just a suggestion that might possibly save some design time.
ReplyDeleteWow Patrick! I am very impressed with your project. My nephew has Asperger's Syndrome and he has experienced a great deal of difficulty in life not only with learning but also with social appropriateness. You are right when you say there is not a lot of coherent information in one place for instructors to understand the needs of the Asperger's students.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Janice, that finding a site addressing another similar issue and then following that pattern would probably save you design time. But, I have no doubt either way that you will come up with a website design that meets the needs of instructors that work with students with Asperger's Syndrome. Great job.
Pat, You have chosen a project that will really enhance your experience. I can totally relate to having to thin out the forest because I have been in the same forest. I can't wait to find out how your project progresses. You mentioned you have been interviewing parents how will you be using those interviews?
ReplyDeleteIt is very emotional for parents, I only see great things stemming from this action research project. I am very excited to see the AR website developed with your research and cycle information. You are on the right track remember both cycles must be completed by the end of month 9 if this will be an issue we may need to discuss the cycle to guarantee its timely completion. Keep striving for excellence!
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