Introduction
"Action research is about teachers identifying and posing problems, as well as addressing issues and concerns related to the problem. It is about working toward understanding and possibly resolving these problems by setting goals and creating and initiating a plan of action, as well as reflecting on the degree to which the plan works"
(Gebhard & Oprandy, 1999, p. 61)
I chose to conduct an action research project with the support of my professors and peers at the University of San Diego (USD) for two reasons. First, action research is based on reflection. I believe that reflection is an essential act that successful educators must participate in regularly for self-improvement and growth. Through the creation of, and participation in, an action research project I will be practicing self-reflection both personally and professionally. The second reason I chose to do an action research project is due to change. A significant reason why the USD M.Ed - TESOL, Literacy and Culture program appealed to me is because one of its cornerstones is the belief that as educators we can be local, domestic, and international change agents. A fundamental aspect of action research is the identification of a problem and the creation of different methods to address and change this problem. I believe that change in our global education system will start in individual classrooms and rise from there. If we can pinpoint the problems that facilitate educational achievement gaps and inequality in our classrooms then, by using action research, we can create solutions to these problems on a local scale that can be applied nationally and globally.