EDLD 5301 Week 2 Practical Advice for Action Research

       This week, following the video interviews of the scholars discussing action research, I was able to discern some common advice and suggestions.  After my wonderings or questions are posed, I should look for the data involved.  Begin to understand it and then rule out any extenuating circumstances.  I should ask, "What does my data say about the problem?"  Then, I should make sure that my research is going to be able to be connected to the improvement of student performance is some way.  Further, my research should be practical and beneficial to my situation.  I will be more focused and interested in the research if it ultimately and it directly benefits my students.  Next, I should look for research that has been done on similar questions or inquiries.  Review the literature; use Google or EBSCO to find the research that has been done.  Learn how to break down the literature and make it useful for me.  Don’t reinvent the wheel.
         

EDLD 5301 Action Research - What is Action Research?

       What Is Action Research?

       Action research is research then action.  It has many varied names such as action inquiry, teacher action research, action research, and practioner inquiry to name a few.  Action research, though, has several characteristics three of which are collaborative, action, and research.  In education, it is a process whereby principals and or teachers engage in systematic, intentional study of their practice and take action making changes based on what they learn from their research (Dana, N. F., 2009).  Action research is not professional development delivered to you from outsiders and after you have received it you are done.  It is a cyclical process of professional development. Issues and problems related to topics like student achievement present themselves continually.  The cycle begins:  Phase 1 – Define an issue to study, Phase 2 – Review of professional literature, Phase 3 - Take action, Phase 4 –Use and share results., and then the cycle begins again (Ringler,M., 2007).  There are many benefits of this type of research.  It is not usually done individually.  It is a collaboration of stakeholders concerned about the inquiry or topic.  Action research also promotes collegial relationships and combats feelings of isolation.  Action research is interactive professional development that stakeholders research and design which facilitates engagement and empowerment.

       I have participated in this process in the past but did not know it.  In my neighborhood we developed a traffic plan to slow down traffic.  We went through all of the phases.  We invited neighbors, brainstormed problem areas, researched, developed a plan, gained consensus, and then implemented the plan; a few years have passed and we are now beginning the cycle again. 

      References

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Ringler,M. (2007). Action research an effective instrumental leadership skill for future public school leaders. Journal of Scholarship & Practice, 4(1), 27-37.

      

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       How Can Educational Leaders Use Blogs In Their Daily Practice?

       The use of blogs by education leaders necessitates knowledge and understanding of the leadership position.  It also takes reflection and creativity.  Blogs are a Web 2.0 tool that can be used to disseminate information to all stakeholders.  Leaders can use blogs in action research as a collaborative tool and a tool for reflecting on their practice.  Leaders can use blogs to publish their thoughts and aggregate the thoughts of other department leaders to develop an interactive school website.  With some imagination, the use of blogs for administrators is unlimited.