Action Research week 2 reflection

This week gave me insight into some really great action research topics. I was able to view several interviews of scholars and they had some interesting topics to discuss. I also was able to indulge in the textbook and research nine different areas to which I was able to search out topics in each area. It was an eye opener as to the amount of things that can be researched and repaired on a campus with just beginning that initial step. Once you dedicate yourself to the plan the rest appears to follow.

How can Educational Leaders Use Blogs

     Blogs can be a great tool for leaders in the educational setting. The can communicate with their staff through a blog, although they might consider making it a private blog for registered users only. Instead of email they can blog staff notices, this way all notices are easily obtainable at a later date in one place. School leaders can also create a parent blog for information about school happenings or important notes. Again, only registered users should be able to see this information. The superintendent might also want to create a blog to communicate with staff or parents. It can be a very efficient means of communication in the school setting. Administrators can post lunch menus, faculty meeting agendas, bus duties, or whatever needs to be conveyed to the staff. 

What have I learned about Action Research?

  

     Through reading the suggested class readings I have absorbed quite a bit of information on action research. First of all, it is an on-going professional development designed to improve in areas that individuals see fit. It can be tailored to the need of the researcher. Usually the principal is the lead inquirer when deciding what needs to be researched and carried out. Once a topic of inquiry is decided upon the principal will created a plan of action; the end result being a change for the greater good of the school. Traditional research usually ends with knowledge gained from others’ expertise, but the action research plan builds upon the knowledge of the researcher. The principal can incorporate the staff in the research process, or choose a inquiry and act on it alone. The principal becomes the lead learner (Dana, 2009) through this process. Action research is an efficient and effective means of gaining knowledge and implementing change on a campus. Sitting in a workshop does not usually give you the means to easily implement what you have heard nor the encouragement to do so. Through action research you can rely on those around you to keep you motivated and vice versa. Your team members can be your office staff, your teachers, your superintendent, your district principals, or you can network with principals in the area schools. However a principal chooses to go about the plan he/she will always follows the steps involved. First inquiry on a specific topic in need of change, create a plan of action, and follow that through. In the end it will lead up to the next inquiry topic, therefore it in an on-going process to help students gain the most out of their school experience. As an educator and possibly an administrator I will be able to use action research to problem solve with in the school. I will be able to fine areas that need improving, gain the knowledge needed to repair any issues and implement the changes needed. I will be able to help the students succeed with everyone in the school working for the common good, and action research will be at the root source of all the greatness.

                                                      

                                                            REFERENCE

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action

Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA : Corwin Press.