Building a Blog on Action Research

What I Have Learned About Action Research 

I have learned that action research is a valuable tool for educational leaders. It is a reflective process that aspiring and veteran administrators should engage in as they seek to become transformational leaders in order to facilitate their school's improvement. Action research is a systematic, intentional, and inquiry based approach that administrators use in order to bring about change in regard to posing questions or “wonderings” (Dana, 2009, p. 2). I also learned that administrators who effectively engage in action research are able to facilitate the change process in a collaborative manner by being able to share inquiry based findings based on insights gained through data collection, data analysis, and relevant literature (Dana, 2009, p. 3). Action research further provides administrators with an avenue for conducting campus improvement through collaborative efforts with teachers and stakeholders input. They are able to collectively examine ways improving their campus by disaggregating data and aligning changes to the overall campus vision. Harris, Edmonson, and Combs (2010) identified inquiry as "an essential component in order to establish a firm foundation for school improvement” (p. 5). I also learned that the essential aspects of action research is its emphasis on inquiry practices to support reflection, as well as, personal and professional development for leaders and teachers. It is through action research that expert administrators take the elite role of being the “head learner” for their school (Dana, 2009, p. 4). 

How I Might Use Action Research

As an aspiring leader, I will utilized the practices and skills learned as I continue to formulate my personal action research plan. I will definitely set aside ample time for reflection and journaling, as well as, involve all stakeholders throughout my action research process.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs 

Reflective journals and/or weblogs are an innovative tool that educational leaders can use to build a web-based community of members who meaningfully interact through posting and commenting on related topics of research or interests. Blogs serve as a form of self-reflection where leaders can journal and "capture their thinking as an inquiry unfolds" (Dana, 2009, p. 87). Blogs further give leaders an opportunity to share insights on issues or ideas (Dana, 2009). They are a fun and innovative way of instantly sharing your thoughts.

Reference

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combes, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.