The Implications of the Research Project for the Masters Degree and Job Opportunities

According to Martin Davies, one must always be cognitive of the fact that the finished research project will greatly impact on the quality of degree one obtains. In addition, mention will be made of the research project in reference to the researcher academically, as well as in the pursuit of further employment. Therefore it will be wise to take the advice of the supervisor instead of ignoring him or her to do whatever one chooses. In addition, it is important to give of one’s best which entails concentrating fully on the research project during the allotted time. The research project is also an opportunity for one to demonstrate other skills that one possesses like organizing projects, conducting interviews, collection and analysis of data, the use of software like SPSS and NVivo, and the presentation of results, in the form of a report, to be interpreted analytically.

Furthermore, it is indispensable to recognize time limitations and be realistic about the research project. Whatever one envisages must be feasible especially as it pertains to one’s sample and transcribing of data. Finally, Davies advises against being overambitious but rather suggests having reasonable objectives and a fixed focus. It is not advisable to undertake a lot in a limited space of time. He also goes on to say that researchers should be flexible, inquisitive and open-minded.

Development of an Effective Reading Programme

While reading, "Leading a Successful Reading Program" by Guth & Pettengill, I came across some ideas that can be utilized to ensure that the Reading Programme at our schools is successful. The ideas surround involving key stakeholders in building a “Literacy Community”. Firstly, at the commencement of the school academic year one can briefly talk about the role of a Reading Specialist during the staff meeting. One can also identify resources that may be available to assist staff and students. In addition, for Open Day one can have a display that promotes literacy. That display can include pictures of staff preparing their classroom or reading a book. Those pictures will serve as a form of motivation to students as we, the teachers lead by example.

One can also conduct an informal survey to obtain information about experiences of the staff, reading programmes that have or have not been successful, and resources that they would like to see available at the school. Furthermore, as a Reading Specialist one can create a resource area to assist teachers. However, after providing the resources it is important to do follow-up checks on the teachers to see how the resources are working. As regards parents, the Reading Specialist can interact with them during P.T.A meetings, discussing the Reading Programme and encouraging them to read with their children. There can also be sessions scheduled to educate parents about strategies to improve and strengthen literacy skills.