When I began this class, I knew that I would be conducting some sort of research. I did not know that the research I would be conducting would be Action Research. Action Research is a method in which an administrator grows professionally by seeking improvement in his/her school. I used two books to help me understand Action Research. They are: Leading With Passion and Knowledge - The Principal as Action Researcher and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools - 8 Steps From Analysis To Action.
Action Research can be used to solve problems within a school. Administrators can methodically follow steps that ask questions, examine data, and reflect on current practices. This examination can lead to best practices. There are several contexts that seem to be ripe for Action Research. I currently use action research with my Lamar colleagues on-line in our university coursework. We discuss problems and work together to form conclusions and provide vital feedback. Action research is also being used in Leadership teams. At my own campus, we have an a team made up of the administrators and department chairs. They meet to discuss any pertinent information and then that information is dissapated downward to the grade levels and departments. Another context that action research is used in is Professional Learning Communities. PLCs get together to address a problem, work to solve the problem, and implement the best practice. PLCs at my own campus have been very productive and a major component in the improvement in TAKS scores.
Action research is a necessary tool that administrators can utilize to help find clarity in their busy and hectic schedule. Administrators can imbed the action research into their daily activities or set aside time to engage. Either way, administrators need to make action research part of their routine. They will grow professionally and their school will reap the benefits.
Thank you for sharing what an "Action Research" is and how it is beneficial. It does help us, as educators, see how we can effectively utilize blogs to communicate with other stakeholders and your current use of it (with your school) helps others, and myself, that we can grow professionally with the use of blogging. Thank you! Good luck with your research.
ReplyDeleteYou gave great examples on how you already use action research to improve your school. Using it with PLCs is something that I want to work on next year in order to improve my students' TAKS scores also.
ReplyDeleteYou obviously have a broad understanding already about action research! You mentioned Leadership Teams as a venue for conducting research. I have thought about our team, and I think this is a great place to begin. All of our administrators as well as Specialists are on the team, and we need to explore several achievement gaps for next year.
ReplyDeleteWe also use action reseach through PLCs. It is amazing what you can find out about yourself when you simply ask questions. This is a strategy that I plan to use as a future leader.
ReplyDeleteI also see the need for administrators and teachers to set specific times to reflect and ask critical questions. PLCs are a great time for this and so often we only engage in lesson planning or copy making. I plan to make more of a purposeful effort to work with teacher teams next year on reflection.
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