Memo 1 Post

Some of the questions I had coming into this course are beginning to be answered....

I obviously knew that a course titled "Introduction to Classroom Research" would have a focus on research, but what kind? I had similar anxious feelings when I took a undergrad course that required me to do an I-Search research assignment.

I think I get anxious about these kind of self-driven research assignments because it is opposite of the kind of research I have be conditioned to do since a young age. Stock reminded me that growing up I answered many "external questions" (1), the kind of questions that do not make for deeper understanding or connection to self, but helped me complete my homework assignment on time. I didn't care about the answers I cared about filling in the blank. Self created questions or "personal questions" allow for discovery, creation, and realization about things I actually care about. I care about my students and I what them to get the most out of my class. I want my students to achieve their own language goals.

While, I don't think I am ready to say that I have developed a strong "topic of research" for this course, I am getting closer. Research involves series of systematic questions to get to an answer, I think systematic questioning can also help formulate a worthy and applicable research topic. Maybe I can start this week by asking my own students if they have any thoughts? ;)

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