This week, I reviewed my action research plan and identified potential challenges that I may face as I work to "teach our students to think like mathematicians" as my Assistant Principal put it.
I believe the most challenging aspects will be:
- Communication
- Training
- Money
- Time
- Motivation (added thanks to Claudine's comment)
Communication
Our action research project is based on identifying academic gaps and identifying the "best practices" for closing those gaps by providing the students with consistent and effective teaching techniques and academic strategies. We must open the lines of communication about the gaps we're seeing and each teacher must be willing to listen to the recommendations of how to "fill" those gaps.
Training
Some teachers may require additional training based on the techniques and strategies that will be used across all grade levels. Either our school/district must provide the training or should make it available to the teachers if they expect the resources, techniques and strategies to be used properly.
Money
New resources and trainings may cost money. Our school will have to find money in the budget for training and resources, include a request for additional funding in next year's budget or organize a fundraiser to cover the new expenses.
Time
It has already been challenging to find a time that works for all the volunteers involved in this project to meet. It will also be challenging to find the time to implement any new ideas and plans that are decided upon by the team. Lastly, another challenge pertaining to time is that we will have to be patient to see results as this systemic change to our math program may take a while to show successful results.
Motivation
Though all the people involved with this action research project are volunteers, there is no incentive plan in place to keep them motivated to stick with it. We must determine a way to make all the volunteers want to see this action research plan completed to fruition.
Now that I have identified some of the challenges, I feel I can better prepare myself for how to address them should they become an issue as I work to close the academic gaps our students have in our current math curriculum.
Definitely agree with your challenges, however, I believe motivation should be your main concern. Once you have "motivated" every one of your team, I am positive they will find the time,and will be open to communicate better, and even to find the money to achieve the common goals. Develop the awareness of the need and spread it out, put every one in the same basket.
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