Action Research

What I have learned about action research and how I might be able to use it...

Action research encompasses a great deal of time commitment that has beneficial outcomes in the lives of educators.  The investment of this time has an extraordinary payoff.  Through this inquiry, educators can greatly impact student achievement and school improvement.  This framework allows the educator to reflect on an issue or concern himself, rather than have an outside researcher dictate which professional development strategy would be most effective.  The educator takes an active role in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around his area of concern.  Educators also play a part in the research process, which will make the educator more likely to implement the change needed based on the knowledge that is generated.  Dana (2009) notes Elliot’s description of action research as a “continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action.”  This set of cyclical actions will contribute to the on-going self-assessment and evaluation to better the teaching  and leadership styles of the educator.

I find that I could use action research collaboratively within our campus leadership teams.  Dana (2009) refers to (Senge, 1990) describing team learning as “vital because teams, not individuals, are the fundamental learning unit in modern organizations.”  As a team we could decide on an area of concern and implement action research to contribute to school improvement.  Reflecting every minute of the way, we will collect and analyze data,  develop a deeper understanding, explore patterns, and develop a plan of action.  This ongoing inquiry and reflection can serve as a tool for achieving student achievement and school improvement.

How educational leaders might use blogs...

Blogs are a great way for educational leaders to communicate with parents, students, faculty, and staff.  Keeping the lines of communication open is an area of concern on many campuses.  Blogs would allow for involved parties to stay informed on school happenings, updated on current issues/studies, etc.

Blogs also allow for continued online collaboration with colleagues.  Many people are loaded with so many responsibilities in and out of the workplace; a blog would be the perfect answer for the sharing of information.