“Mindless wandering guarantees that you’ll discover surprises along the way. If you set out to look for a certain bird, you’ll be disappointed and consider the day wasted if you don’t spot one. But when you mosey along and turn your attention to everything you see, whatever you find along the way will be a wonderful revelation.” From Better Homes and Gardens, Tom Brown from Tom Brown’s Field Guides
Already, I have had a "surprise" along my learning journey. I had set out with a specific focus, that of the instruction of crafting sentences. I felt strongly about this; however, it seems like my inquiry is shifting directions at this point. Rather than being frustrated with the research and the writing I have already done, I am using it to inform part of the inquiry I am now undertaking. I am also excited about the "wonderful revelations" I will discover along the way.
This shift in direction happened after I received an e-mail from Ernie Janzen, the principal at my school. I had mentioned in passing that my inquiry focus was in the area of writing. With our school undertaking writing as an area of school improvement starting in the school year 2010-2011, I wanted to aline my research with the vision of our school. Since I am not teaching in the classroom for the year I am taking my masters, it seemed fitting that I could lay the ground work for our school, as well as for me as a research-practitioner, on a K to 5 writing program.
With the support and direction of the principal, three main areas were identified and constitute the framework of what I will focus on in the course of my inquiry.
- Clear definition of what constitutes good writing;
- Assessment strategies that are formative, not just summate; and
- Teaching and learning strategies that span the K to 5 continuum.
Some further things that I wish to incorporate:
- Writing that is integrated in other subject areas, and not taught in isolation;
- Quality of writing over quantity of writing;
- Strategies that have multiple entry points and that give depth and breadth for students of various abilities - differentiated instruction;
- Intentional teaching and learning strategies that can grow with the student from year to year;
- Assessment for teachers that inform students' needs and where the instructional focus should be at;
- Assessment that informs students of their writing strengths and improvement areas; and
- Other "must haves" that I will come across as I further investigate.
I am waiting for my instructor's approval of my topic. I am excited for this and think I will learn and grow in my professional knowledge and practice. It's another start!
