Reflection 7

Reflecting on the action research done as our ICT final assignment, I found myself interested in the prospect of utilizing ISLcollective as a tool to uplift students' motivation towards English listening. This reflective essay encapsulates my journey, from initial thoughts to profound insights gained through this undertaking.

Initially, I approached the idea of action research with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty. However, as I delved deeper into the concept, with the aid of the provided template, it gruadually became clearer for me. The template provided me with a guideline, shaping my understanding of what constituted a well-written piece of action research and making the process much less complicated. 

The essence of my learning lays not only in the acquisition of research methodology but also in the profound insights gained about my students. Through this project, I found out more about their excitement about educational games and the enthusiasm they showed towards fun interactive classroom activities. Moreover, the fact that their motivation levels surged after a three-week engagement with video quizzes underscored the efficacy of gaming in the English classroom.

Intriguingly, this journey led to a shift in my teaching approach. I developed the habit of classroom observation, constantly asking myself questions about my students. Questions such as "How do my students feel?" and "What ignites their enthusiasm?" guided and enabled me to tailor my pedagogical strategies to their individual needs. The ability to tell between the subtle differences of their emotions and motivations proved to be an invaluable asset, fostering a deeper connection between myself and my students. I did receive very positive feedback about my approach. I remember reading a comment that said "It is fun to be in Ms.Tu's class", which lightened my whole week.

This journey into action research not only honed my research skills but also laid the foundation for my future aspirations in the field of education. The insights gained from this endeavor resonate with the principles taught in my Action Research course, providing a practical application of theoretical knowledge. Equipped with this understanding, I feel greatly motivated to conduct more educational research, and I believe that every study holds the promise of transformative insights.

In retrospect, my journey with the ICT final assignment has been eye-opening. It has not only equipped me with the tools to conduct research but has also armed me with a profound understanding of the complicated dynamics within the classroom.