Case Study- Post 10 Reflection

My goal for this project was to help this mom get into school and start work on either her GED for find a place that will give her a high school diploma. From the research that I did during the writing of my lit review I learned how important it is for teen parents to complete their education in order to have a better life for them and their child.
I learned a lot about the action research process while working on this project.  I learned that I need to be open to changing my plan of action, and take time to really hear what the parent is saying instead of trying to push my agenda. I learned that I need to make sure that I am following through with what I tell the mom that I am going to do. That means, I need to have articles, information and time for her when I say that I will have it for her. By doing this it will help build trust in our relationship.
The information that I think will help others is the information that I learned about adolescent development. That in order to work with a teen parent, you need to meet them where they are developmentally or you will not be able to make progress in the work that you are trying to do with them.
As far as myself as a researcher, I have learned that I need to be passionate about helping families in order to want to take the time out of my day to work specifically with one family. I have learned that the research does not end when the lit review ends, but that all interactions can be thought about and tied to research.
My teaching practices will forever be changed after this work with this mother. I will be able to reach out to teen parents and be able to meet them where they are developmentally, and help them move forward.  I am very proud of all the progress that we have made in our relationship, and also in her goals. I plan on continuing my work with her in hopes to keep her on track with the completion on her education.