Week One Assignment, Part 3 - Building a Blog on Action Research

What I have Learned about Action Research and How I Might be Able to Use It.

In this assignment I have learned that action research is a systematic discovery process. It is done by the insiders who are close to the issue rather than by outsiders who might not truly understand what is best for the school’s unique situation. The process of action research fosters collaboration and professional development among the leadership team or professional learning community involved in the process. This group identifies with the issue and by going through the process, they will feel ownership in the solution which increases the chances that the solution will have sustained success. The action research process begins with an issue or a change that is needed in order for there to be improvement. Then a clear and concise question is formed that will drive the inquiry. Data from a variety of sources will be collected in an effort to answer the question that has been asked. The data is scrutinized and then a decision will be reached based on the results of the inquiry. Then a plan of action will be developed, implemented and monitored to see if it produces the desired results. If so, it be maintained. If not, the process will continue to cycle until resolution is found.

Action research is a healthy process that requires a great deal of time, effort and reflection. However, the practice of inquire has many inherent benefits. It demonstrates to the rest of the school that the educational leader values learning and participates and collaborates in the problem solving process to make necessary improvements for the school. While at the same time, the reflection that is required by action research is helping those who practice it on a regular basis to become better decision makers and expert leaders.

Analysis of How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Blogs are a valuable tool for educational leaders. For instance, blogs provide educational leaders with a medium to share and reflect with an audience of colleagues from around the world. It offers an anytime, anywhere, web-based way for the administrator to journal and to document his/her thoughts in a variety of formats ranging from written form to photographic form. Blogs provide the unique feature of not just one-way sharing with others, but with the comment feature, two-way collaboration and feedback provides valuable insight for the leader.

In addition, blogging is another way that educational leaders can serve as positive role models for their school. Blogging shows that the leader values the writing process and provides a good example for the students and staff to emulate.