Week 2 Recap

Week two was packed with information that helped me understand action research just a little more. It started with the three interviews. They all spoke highly of action research and agreed that it must be used to promote student achievement. They all also talked about data as an important step in research. Data, I believe, must first be analyzed before diving deep into the plan. The researcher needs to know which way to steer their research in order to help the organization. Disaggregating data will assist the researcher in selecting the proper route to take when performing their research.

Week two’s readings were also very helpful in understanding action research. The nine passions that Dana elaborated on in her book suggested different areas in which someone can do research. Many of the areas relate to one another, so a person might dive into more than one passion while researching. What I learned from the Dana reading is that leaders are in control of growth and development. This goes for themselves and the organization. However, they must make sure that everyone else is striving to reach the same goals.  

I also met with my site supervisor this week to discuss three proposed research topics. I enjoyed meeting with her because she opened my eyes to many things and gave me insight on some of the district's plans for research. Together, we agreed that the most beneficial research that I can do for our school is researching the rising rates of illiteracy. This has been a hot topic in education for the past few years, so I am excited to start using what I have learned to develop an action research plan for this area of concern.  

Educational Leaders Can Use Blogs, Too!

Below is a list of ways that educational leaders can use blogs:

1. Source of continued learning- Leaders can post different videos and articles highlighting effective classroom management techniques, lesson planning strategies and ways of keeping students' attention by implementing rigor and relevance throughout lessons.

2. Outlet for discussion- Leaders can pose questions on their blogs and provide a new, interactive way for teachers/staff to communicate with one another.

3. Communication tool- Blogs are a great way to communicate with others and get feedback. Leaders can use blogs in place of traditional email or newsletters to relay information to teachers and parents.

What is Action Research, Anyway?

I've learned that action research is a powerful tool that individuals can use to collectively and collaboratively reflect on changes and improvements that need to be made within an organization. It is “engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry.” (Dana, 2009)

It can improve the way issues are addressed and how problems are solved. Action research allows room for you to work with others as you strive toward a common goal. It's an interactive way of improving your practice and professionalism. You may want to change your way of leading or your way of doing things. Action research makes this possible and ensures that your new initiatives are effective. It offers ways of gathering and sorting out information, which leads to implementing practical and logical changes for the organization.

Action research is a commitment and requires the researcher to set aside time for research and reflection. The researcher must carefully monitor to make sure that what has been planned actually works. If it’s not working, they can always go back and modify their action plan. To ensure a successful research plan, the researcher must define the problem, research the problem, ask for help from those directly involved, create a plan to solve the problem, act on the plan, and then reflect on the outcomes. After all of this, the researcher should make the necessary changes that will benefit the organization and its stakeholders.

Reference: Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.