I have learned that even though there are several different terms that can describe it, action research is really just the systematic, intentional study of the administrators own practices and taking action for change based on the results of what was learned (Dana, 2009, p. 2). Educators need to be fully involved in action research in order to be truly effective. All professionals need to be willing to look at what they are doing and seek feedback from others as to what they maybe able to do to improve. If you are not willing to that then you are not going to be effective for long. Action research is especially important for educational leaders to perform. For decades educators have allowed outsiders to dictate what we should be doing in our schools to help our students achieve success. These outsiders rarely have any clue at all what it is like in a real classroom and they cannot possibly understand how different the classrooms are from one school to the next.
I can use action research in several ways. I can use it to help determine teaching strategies that could be more effective ways of engaging my at risk students. Action research can be used to help me, as CATE department chairperson, plan professional development opportunities for my teachers that they will find relevant and engaging. Introducing my teachers to action research and having them study something that they need improvement on or are curious about themselves would also be a very relevant professional development activity for my department.
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
I think your idea to introduce action research to your department is a wonderful idea. The growth that could occur with your teachers has the potential to overflow into other departments. When they see how much action research benefits your department, other departments may be willing to try it for themselves.
ReplyDeleteI am interesting in the way you are headed. I will try to follow your action research process. I feel that I have a lot to learn and together we may be able to help each other out. It sounds like you are going to possibly use action research to guide your professional development with your teachers. As time goes on, for me, I hope that things will come into better focus. The course work so far has been great at facilitating my learning. I hope to be an asset for my campus and a sounding board for you, if need be.
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