Jackie Nelson Memo #5

      As humans, we just look for structure and validation. The article talks about how having a model for the way AR is carried out, limits flexibility. Not having a specific model to follow can be intimidating for researchers, but having flexibility to try and create the model that works best seems to be an important part of AR. With that said, I don't love a mess, but I think that I can learn to work through it.
       I think that knowing that it is OK for AR to be messy helps me to not be intimidated to try things and put my ideas out on the table. Having other people read and critique your work can be a challenge, but knowing that everyone is a mess together, makes it seem less painful.
     I worry a little bit about letting things "arise and bubble" (pg. 103). If I had an unlimited amount of time, I would be OK seeing what comes up in my journals and observations, but that is not the case. We have a very short amount of time to get things bubbling and to choose something. This seems a bit counterproductive to the action research that we are doing in class, but I know that it is necessary. I can see the beginning stages of data collection be sort of messy. I think that trying to organize and conduct data collection points might have to be revised if they aren't working. I know that this might be tough for me because I am the type of person who likes to have a plan and execute it efficiently. I have a feeling that AR is not going to fit this part of my personality.
     After reading the article, I now feel like I do not need an answer to the questions that I pose. I just need to start doing some messy research, put my assumptions aside and let myself look at my classroom through a clean lens.