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In EDAD 597A we were introduced to the concepts of action research by reflecting on

problems of practice within each of our schools or programs of employment. Along with action
research, we were able to analyze case studies in which different forms of research were
introduced and utilized, namely those of gathering research-based and empirical data. The
culmination of this course included drafting a report of that included our chosen problem of
action, as well as our statement of the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies that we
intend to use during our research.
As we move on into EDAD 510, I can see that we are now expected to move into a more
in-depth exploration of our chosen problems of practice. I must admit that selecting a problem
of practice for me initially felt simple, because as I began to analyze the major issues in my
program, it was immediately evident to me that the problem would be one that would revolve
around challenges in adverse student behavior. However, as the course went on, and I continued
to analyze this topic, the exact problem that I would be addressing became quite difficult to
pinpoint. I realized that the setting up action research wasnt just simply about finding a problem,
but truly thinking about who it was affecting, its effects on the population, as well as the need to
brainstorm possible outcomes and solutions for this problem.
The need to analyze everything from the selection of the problem all the way until its
intended outcomes posed a significant challenge in my ability to clearly articulate this problem.
After all, I felt that I needed to get it right in order to not have to backtrack and modify my
course of research action!
Fast forward to now, I am satisfied with the research I have conducted, both empirically
and from journals, and I feel that I have identified a problem that is worthy of research. Although

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I do foresee that here will be challenges along the way, possibly in gathering data as well as in
observations and analysis of empirical studies, I am confident that the end result will be one that
will yield useful information for my program.
The problem is that many of the children that enroll in Head Start present challenging
behaviors that cause a significant impact and effect in other children and staff in the classrooms.
The impact of these challenges can be overwhelming for teachers and students to deal with, and
the effects of these challenges include a reduction in teaching and learning opportunities, tension,
anxiety and other social and emotional stressors.