Date:09-30-2005 11:56
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Concept Map from the Ones
I think we were the "ones".
Anyway, our cards got a little mixed up and I knew I couldn't recreate the magic, so I'm just going to summarize and my group can add on what they see fit. :)
We started with the word "Scientist" because anyone doing research (qualitative, quantitative, and/or action) is a scientist. Then, we broke that down into examples of different kinds of things you may want to research. Next, we broke that down into words describing the process of research such as: a question, grouping, studying, labeling, evaluation, writing, lit. review, reading, technology, a hypothesis, and so on. The category after that describes things that your research might yield (information, statistics, numbers, data, etc.). The bottom of our concept map was money, lucrative, marketable, and productive.
Finally, we included all of the feelings/emotions (positive and negative) regarding research in a big circle around our concept map, because we felt that those words were involved in the whole process. Some of these words included: boring, long, tedious, rewarding, complicated, patience, time-consuming, and so on.
Good job group members!
Thanks, Carri
BLACKBOARD POSTS
Carri Schneider
Action Research I
Mary Brydon-Miller
Fall 2005
Blackboard serves as the place where we can continue the classroom discussions. I have copied and pasted all of my Blackboard posts from the quarter below in chronological order.
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Forum: Initial thoughts on readings and class discussionDate:10-03-2005 19:13
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Thoughts on Chapter One.
I think theory should drive all research, or at least be the foundation. You have to have some kind of theoretical framework to build upon and work "under".
I think that there are Marxist and critical theory aspects to AR, and a little hint of "revolution" that I think keeps me interested.
~Carri
Forum: Initial thoughts on readings and class discussion
Date:10-03-2005 19:18
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: thoughts
I agree with both of you.
The notion of "repositioning" the researcher from a placeof power to one of participation is a key componentthat interests me. I think it may also be why some people shy away from AR; it's giving up power that some people feel entitled too.
On the Gramsci tip, I think AR seeks to battle hegemony and systemic (although often hidden ) factors that maintain the status quo. As I said in an early post, it's about repositioning power and giving it back to the people who ultimately stand the most to gain/lose.
~Carri
Forum: Initial thoughts on readings and class discussion
Date:10-03-2005 19:20
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: a few initial responses
Sue, I'd say it depends on who you ask. And, I'd argue that there shouldn't be, but others would certainly disagree.
Forum: Initial thoughts on readings and class discussion
Date:10-03-2005 19:32
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject First Two Chapters
I enjoyed the readings, and they confirmed to me that I belong in AR. I have many of the same anxieties that the rest of you seem to have, but totally agree that we've been conditioned to believe that "research" is "x" and it's hard to imagine what "y" actually looks like.
That being said, the distinction between "research" and "methods" was helpful. Now I get that you can employ either qualitative or quantitative methods in the context of action research.
I also like the emphasis on phenomenology/life-world/culture, etc. because I believe that the various lenses we all use to view the world are an important part of understanding any situation.
I also firmly believe in the importance of praxis, and I see that AR provides the theory-practice-reflection connection that seems to be missing in other modes of research.
Also, I'm glad to know that starting small is essential and know that this is going to be a problem for me because at the end of the day all I really hope to accomplish is world peace. :)
On a final note, Derrida was mentioned briefly in the reading and if you really want to look at the world through a different lens, rent "Derrida", the documentary film about him. Everything you think you know will be flipped on its head, but in a good way.
Oh, one more thing, in the IJL reading, it mentioned that AR was a requirement of UEL. I'm curious about why this changed?
See you all Tuesday.
Carri
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Forum:DesertIsland DisksDate:09-30-2005 11:38
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Life on the island...
This was harder than I thought, especially after the ipod came into my life. It's hard to limit myself to just 10, but I'll try...
1. The Beatles "White Album" (because I grew up listening to the Beatles and singing along with my dad)
2. Janis Joplin "Me and Bobby McGee" (My mom's favorite song--it would always remind me of her & it's fun to sing along to.)
3. Jack Johnson "In Between Dreams" (Surfer turned acoustic guitarist Jack Johnson--the songs on this cd make me think of my husband Lou, especially "Better When We're Together", which would undoubtedly make me cry if I listened to it alone on an island without him.)
4. Phish "Live at Deer Creek 1995"- (My first of over 60 Phish shows- reminds me of some of the best times of my life.)
5. CD of Wedding Songs from my sister Amanda & Michael's wedding- (They've been together since 8th grade and finally got married last summer after over 10 years. They made a CD of all their "songs" over the years and that CD holds the secrets to understanding both of them inside and out.)
6. REM's Greatest Hits (Because I would finally have time to learn all of the words to "The End of the World as We Know It" and because "Nightswimming" is my favorite song of all times.)
7. Cd of "The Basement Dwellers" - (This is the band name my dad and his friends--of all ages--have given themselves. They have weekly jam sessions in my parents' basement. They always record them in case something brilliant or hysterical happens. Having this cd on the island would keep me laughing all the time.)
8. The Shins CD- (They're my favorite band right now after the break-up of Phish. Great melodies and even better lyrics.)
9. Songs from the South Pacific- (No, not the musical...the islands. Lou and I went to Tonga a couple of years ago and learned that there is no better place on Earth. Maybe I could pick up some of the language in case someone showed up to rescue me off the island. The music is haunting and beautiful at the same time.)
10. Yoga/Meditation CD- (For obvious reasons-to do yoga and meditate...because I'd have much more time that I do now.)
Book: The Tao Te Ching (The Way of Life) written by Lao Tzu in c. 500 BC. This little book holds all the answers to the universe as far as I'm concerned and would be invaluable for life on a deserted island.
Film: The DVD of our wedding (Not only would it be great to relive the wedding itself, but that DVD shows the faces of all my friends and family; and it would be a way to see all the people I care about whenever I missed them.)
Luxury Item: I'm assuming the DVD player, CD player, and electricity are up and running. So, I'd want a journal and plenty of pens so I could log my experiences and maybe end up with a best seller by the time I was rescued.
Maybe with all this I could survive, although I doubt it...
Carri
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-02-2005 15:10
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: It is soo hard to decide....
Yep. The GardenState soundtrack (and movie) are great. That's how I discovered The Shins. And, Imogean Heap is the lead singer of Frou Frou (who have a song on the soundtrack). She has a cd of her own out & I think she's playing a show in Cincy soon. The Frou Frou cd is great too! Good stuff.
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-02-2005 15:15
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: 10 CD's, 1 book, 1 movie, 1 luxury
Holly, fellow Aquarius. How did I not know that about you? It's all making sense now. Aquarians unite! Not many other surprises in your post there...oh, except the Tracy Chapman thing...maybe in your past lives, or future ones. "Fast car" is one of the greatest songs ever written.
Right on sister!
Carri
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-02-2005 15:19
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: 10 CD's, 1 book, 1 movie, 1 luxury
Keith Sweat and Jodeci...takes me right back to Jr. High. Love it!
By the way, the wedding cd of my sisters that I mentioned in my post: 1 Keith Sweat song and 2 Jodeci. Boy my dad hated those songs. He'd do anything for us girls though. Bless his heart, he sat through 2 BellBivDevoe concerts, 1 Ready for the World, 1 Tony Toni Tone, and even MC Hammer (before he was flat broke), among others. Now, that's love.
Carri
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-02-2005 15:23
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: DesertIsland
Fargo, eh?
Love that movie!
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-02-2005 15:27
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: So why do you all think I asked you to do this?
It's so obvious: You enjoy torturing graduate students. :)
Carri
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-03-2005 19:01
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: 10 CD's, 1 book, 1 movie, 1 luxury
Re: Prince The secret is to join his fanclub online. It's like $20 or something, but then you get to buy tickets before they go on sale to the public. We did that and got 2nd row seats when he was at US Bank last year. Man, he is so tiny. I'll never understand what it is about him that exudes so much sexiness, but what ever it is, it works for me! :)
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-03-2005 19:04
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: DesertIsland Discs
Yes, I love the Beastie Boys and have been known to embrace my Beastie Girlness on a number of occasions, especially after a few drinks. It ain't pretty. In my next life, I want to come back as a rapper. :)
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-03-2005 19:08
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: So why do you all think I asked you to do this?
On a serious note, I really liked the analogy that Ernie Stringer made in the reading about how different people interpret music differently, just like people "read the world" differently. Music has always provided a soundtrack to my life, and it's always interesting for me to see how music fits into the lives of others. Like all forms of artistic expression, it can mean so many things to so many different people. I think this assignment functions on many levels. It gives us a window into each other, gives us an opportunity to reflect on something that we wouldn't usually think about, and it was fun.
~Carri
Forum:DesertIsland Disks
Date:10-04-2005 21:12
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: DesertIsland Discs
Oh dear god...I can't imagine anything worse. Actually being in the audience and having to witness it would probably be incredibly painful for all of you.
:)
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Forum: Initial thoughts on readings for Week 3Date:10-10-2005 19:56
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Post-its
Yea, I had to abandon the whole post-it thing. When I caught myself wanting to put a post-it on a post-it, I knew I had a problem. :)
Carri
Forum: Initial thoughts on readings for Week 3
Date:10-10-2005 19:58
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Tyson
I believe the topic is Critical Race Theory and I am pretty bummed that I have to miss it. I've had it on my calendar for a while now, but can't miss Stats.
Mary, do you know who is "in charge" of the presentation? I'm wondering if it will be videotaped?
Thanks, Carri
Forum: Initial thoughts on readings for Week 3
Date:10-10-2005 20:07
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Thoughts on the Chapter
* I like the idea of "teaching and learning infused". It reminds me of the concept of teacher-student (one person who acts as both) that I've read about, and I can see it as an new way to position the researcher in AR.
* I like how AR addresses a situation "holistically"--intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social, moral, etc. Frankly, I don't know how research which ignores these elements can be deemed valid. Complex problems usually don't have simple solutions.
*I'm glad AR acknowledges that kids are people too. I taught 2nd grade for 6 years, and even kids that young can tell you a lot about themselves than most people would ever imagine. They should be participants; they aren't "empty vessels".
*I see how Critical Race Theory (an interest) can fit well into AR (narratives, counter-storytelling, etc.) and this helps me see the connection between theory and practice.
Questions:
*I've always been a little confused by resistance as it relates to critical theory. This was just mentioned briefly in the chapter, but I know it's seen as a "good" thing in some ways, but not in others--hence the confusion. :)
*Regarding the design of an AR project, I thought you start with participants and then define the problem with them,but the book gave me the opposite impression. I guess it could work both ways, but I suppose I'm curious about how it "should" be done.
Thanks, Carri
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Forum: Further thoughts on class discussion and activities from Week 2Date:10-07-2005 14:09
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Fish
Sally, I totally agree.
I had thought about doing something with journaling for my project, but doing the fish diagram helped me to get at what some of the underlying issues are. I'm so visual too, so that helped.
I think it's cool that we're learning techniques that we can use in our own AR by doing them ourselves in class--concept map, the fish, desert island disks.
Have a good weekend everyone! We're off to Chicago to visit my sister and some friends.
Carri
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Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research ProjectsDate:10-06-2005 17:23
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Thoughts
I need help focusing in on my project as well.
My biggest issue right now is transforming from elementary teacher to office folk! I have never felt more like a fish out of water than I do now. It's raised interesting issues for me about how people must feel when they used to feel comfortable (and educated) and they go somewhere new and feel totally out of their element (and like a preschooler). My friends, and any of you who have worked in offices, find a lot of humor in this whole situation. There have been some funny moments, but overall I feel lost. I love the new work I'm doing (an internship in educational policy with the KnowledgeWorks foundation) but WHOA-it is a different world.
So, I want to explore, through my project, how journaling might ease the transition for me. I used to keep a journal religiously as a child, but stopped about the time that I met my husband (we decided that's because he became the place I sounded off--poor Louie--not my journal). So, maybe keeping a journal will help me deal with some of this and save my poor husband from one too many existential conversations.
In the spirit of AR, I don't have any super-clear end goals right now. I may find out that the journaling doesn't work at all. But, I'm up for trying anything right now.
This may relate to an AR project later this quarter in giving journals to new studentsto help them in their transition. And I love the idea of doing a project that can continue year to year if we get that started.
Thanks, Carri
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-10-2005 19:51
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: SOS
I've heard negative things about Pro. Sem. from some students, but our Pro. Sem. for UEL was a life-saver. It wasn't so much about the specific details of being a doctoral student (although we did talk about our committees, preliminary hearings, dissertations, etc.), but to me it was just a place where I felt totally comfortable--even if it was one nighta week. It was lax, totally open, and safe. I felt like I could ask anything without sounding stupid, and I could get the answers to questions that I didn't know who to ask. I think Dr. Collins had a lot to do with the strength of the class, and I honestly don't know what I would've done without it. Plus, I think those nights in Pro.Sem. allowed us to know our cohort members better than we would've gotten to know each other in just traditional classes.
I think all first year students should have a class like this.
Carri
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-10-2005 19:53
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: APA
Yea. Add that to the list of things that are frustrating to a doctoral student...APA. :)
While I had some experience with it in my masters, even a one-hour overview of the basics (or hell even just how to read the manual) would've certainly helped.
And the lit. review thing...I know I have to do one, but I'm still a bit unclear on what it entails as well so THANKS for the link.
Carri
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-11-2005 14:55
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: SOS
Let me guess Helene...when you're the only African-American, the class expects you to speak on behalf of the entire race. I've had friends and family talk about that experience. That must be SO frustrating!
From my perspective, I think its very unfortunate that issues of race go undiscussed in so many venues (like the school where I used to work). We had a small minority population and students often found themselves being the only person of color in a classroom. It would've been nice if teachers were willing to discuss how they felt in this situation (like your post discusses). But, all I usually got when I raised this issue, was "it has nothing to do with his/her race."
Carri
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-18-2005 13:29
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Does anyone have any anti- pack rat strategies?
Have you seen that show on TV called "Clean Sweep"? They have good strategies that we used when we moved.
We madethree piles: a"keep" pile, a trash pile, and a donate pile. Once you put something in a pile, that's where it stays. Except...when you're finished you have to cut your "keep" pile in half (although I think taking out 1/4 of it would be hard enough for a real pack-rat).
Over the weekend, Lou & I went through all of our clothes and bagged everything that we hadn't worn at least twice in the last year to be donated. It was totally cathartic and we ended up with 4 trash bags full of things that will be much more valuable now that they aren't sitting in our closet.
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-20-2005 17:57
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Re: Does anyone have any anti- pack rat strategies?
Yea, I'm sure my husband and yours would have a hay day talking about that. Now that I'm not in the classroom, I don't feel the need to stop at every rest stop on a road trip to get all the free maps I can get my hands on...Although the temptation is hard to resist. :)
Carri
Forum: Thoughts on First-Person Action Research Projects
Date:10-20-2005 18:00
Author: Schneider, Carri
Subject Cynthia Tyson?
I wasn't able to see Dr. Tyson's presentation, but I am very interested in her work. Someone (Elif I believe) mentioned that some of you read an article by her in your class. Does anyone have the citation for that or a copy of it that they could let me borrow?
Thanks, Carri
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