Week One Assignment

Action Research: What is it? How can I use it?

Action research is identifying a problem or concern, reviewing data, reflecting, working together with a team, creating possible solutions for the issue, and finally, putting those solutions into action. Action research, unlike traditional research, is initiated and led by the practitioner. In traditional research or principal professional development, outside sources are telling the principal or leader what he or she should or should not do to improve his or her own campus. Action research holds the principal accountable for identifying and solving problems on his or her own campus. These issues are personal and specific, which is not the case in other types of leadership professional development. Nancy Dana refers to action research as "cyclical." Once the process is completed, the practitioner must begin again, either identifying new issues that resulted from the previous cycle, or working on a plan to maintain the results produced. Sandra Harris, Stacey Edmonson, and Julie Combs describe action research in eight steps: 1.) Setting the Foundation, 2.) Analyzing Data, 3.) Developing Deeper Understanding, 4.) Engaging in Self Reflection, 5.) Exploring Patterns, 6.) Determining Direction, 7.) Taking Action, and 8.) Sustaining Improvement.

As a future leader, I will use action research in all areas of concern or high-need. I may be able to use it in improving staff morale, increasing the success of ESL students, or attaining more parent involvement. After identifying any major issue, I would reflect on data to determine where we are and where we need to be. Then I would collaborate with fellow leaders to determine how we will get there. I would implement change and reflect on the results to determine whether or not we were successful. If we were, we would determine how to maintain our results. If we were not successful, we would begin the action research cycle again.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Blogs are a wonderful tool for educational leaders. One of the most important pieces of professional development is reflection. Blogging is an easy, convenient way to record your thoughts and come back to them at a later time, possibly in a different mind set. Leaders can use blogs, not only to share ideas, but also receive feedback from peers. Since there is usually only one principal on a given campus, blogging makes it possible for many principals to share thoughts, ideas, best practices, and so much more.