Action research is a process of wondering; it allows an administrator to become an active participant in a problem solving environment. Administrative inquiry longs for change; therefore, it will find out what the current problems on a campus are and seek out to solve these problems. This takes a set of steps: wonder, collection of data, insight, analyzing of data with readings that are relevant, changes, and a sharing of data (Dana, 2009).
I have learned that action research requires reflection. It forces an administrator to take the time to take the time to evaluate past decisions. This requires the administrator to find out if and why certain decisions had positive or negative outcomes. Secondly, it allows for change to occur on a need to need basis. Sometimes, a new idea, procedure, or policy will work for a time, but then needs to be tweaked or removed based on the changing needs of students. Also, reflection reveals strengths and weaknesses of a leader. This helps the administrator sharpen his or her leadership skills.
There are many ways I could use action research as an administrator. First of all, I could participate in district meetings that gather input from principals to find out current problems and strategies on how to solve them. Second, I could create a leadership team that would share the responsibility of finding out the needs of the campus and make good decisions based on data and input. Lastly, I could implement a professional learning community on campus. This would help create an atmosphere that encourages collaboration and creative ways to implement best teaching practices.
Educational leaders might use blogs to promote a learning community on campus. Faculty and staff could link their blogs to stay in constant communication about problems and issues that arise on campus. This would allow a collection of data to occur. Then, strategies and solutions could be formulated.
Educational leaders might use blogs to promote a learning community on campus. Faculty and staff could link their blogs to stay in constant communication about problems and issues that arise on campus. This would allow a collection of data to occur. Then, strategies and solutions could be formulated.
Resource:
Dana, Nancy Fichtman (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Cowin Press.
I think it is a great idea for faculty and staff to link their blogs. This would be a great way to "encourage" teachers to have blogs too, as well as a quick way to give/receive information.
ReplyDeleteI really like the idea of creating a blog for the needs of the campus. This is a great idea to promote teacher input. Collaboration among teachers and administrators is an awesome way to achieve great things.
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of creating a blog to post responses and provide insight to what the current trends are in education. The exchange of information can be valuable and resourceful.
ReplyDeleteBlogs are exceptional tools for educational leadership because it gives you a wealth of experience and knowledge that is relevant and easily accesible. Having action research knowledge available to new administrators, is a vital resource to the improvements of individual campuses.
ReplyDeleteCassie, Is this your idea of going green? :)
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful!
I think PLN (C) are great. I had attended a class during summer I learned about tweeter, facebook, and blogs in educational setting. Unfortunately, since I didn't have the time to explore those possibilities as school started, i forgot all about them. It is so sad that when technology is improving by leaps and bounds and kids know more about it than us, teachers! I wish teachers were trained to develop these networks.
What do you think is an area you could use action research in? I look forward to reading about your research.
ReplyDelete