Topic Selection

Part 1
The videos and course text have given me an idea of what action research is. I did not
quite understand what action research is and whether it differs from research. However, through
reading the course text, I know that action research refers to a systemic inquiry conducted by
professionals such as educators who are interested in the teaching and learning process. It is also
conducted by those interested in the environment where learning and teaching take place,
processes of teaching and learning, and how students learn in general (Mertler, 2017). Action
research entails engaging in the process of inquiry founded on wanting to understand learning
and teaching processes. Conducting research in an educational setting helps teachers get answers
and resolve problems they encounter while instructing and interacting with them. Action
research presents a scientific method that is used to get answers and resolve problems within an
educational setting. According to Mertler (2017), in the absence of research, educators are more
likely to seek answers from authority figures, common sense, and tradition, will which may
provide flawed and subjective solutions. Research provides objective answers that are tested
scientifically and thus provide unbiased, neutral, and effective responses and solutions. Further,
conducting research in an educational setting provides educators, students, administrators, and
policymakers are continuously presented with refined ideas and solutions to problems
encountered within the learning environment (Conscious Educating, 2009). Thus, there’s value
in conducting action research in an educational setting, and everyone involved benefits.
Part Two:

Topic: Safe Classroom Environments
Link: https://doi.org/10.1152/advan.00085.2020
I reviewed the website, American Physiological Society, Advances in Physiology
Education, which is a for-profit site. The interesting thing is that the title of the article is phrased
in a manner intended to catch the attention of anyone reviewing the resource. It is titled “Ten
maxims for creating a safe learning environment.” Other than the tile, one of the quotes that
caught my attention is, “once we become a teacher, we care, not just about education, but about
our student’s education” (Prashanti & Ramnarayan, 2020). The concern that teachers have for
the education of their students makes them want to create an environment within which students’
learning can be optimum. For educators to achieve this, they must be aware of what it takes or
the attributes of a safe learning environment. Safe space is created in the physical environment as
well as within the student’s minds to foster learning in a seamless manner. When the learning
environment is right, then the learning process will occur as planned. Thus, the safety of the
environment is integral to the process of learning. I chose to review this resource because I
wanted to know what it takes to create a safe learning environment. Since the resource provides
ten maxims as to want entails creating a safe learning environment, it was the best resource for
me as it met my needs. The topic, ‘creating a safe learning environment,’ supports my future
professional goals. I am just starting out in my career as a teacher. My goal has always been to
create an inclusive and safe learning environment for my learners. The resources give me tips
and guidance n how to achieve a safe learning environment, and this will be key in meeting my
future professional goals.

References

Mertler, C. A. (2017). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators (5th ed.)
[Electronic version]. Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/
Prashanti, E., & Ramnarayan, K. (2020). Ten maxims for creating a safe learning environment.
Conscious Educating. (2009, November 7). Action research in the classroom part 1 (Links to an
external site.) [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDVH0u4tUWo