I have learned that Action Research is a research method that involves all those stakeholders within an individual school setting. As an administrator, designing an action research process with the faculty and staff in my own school they will embrace the problem or situation at hand and have a say in the findings. Also when faced with data that may be hard to swallow the administrators, teachers, and/faculty can't put the blame on "outsiders", but themselves. Due to the spiralling effects of action research, stakeholders do not have to feel "defeated" if at first they do not succeed, but are able to step back and clarify and re-evaluate the situation. They are able to do all this without having to feel as if "others are watching" and see them as "defeated" They will also be aware that they are controlling their fate to deal with the situations and make changes when necessary. It's taking ownership of the problem, dealing with it, and putting forth action towards a solution. What a feeling of success when the situation in rendered solved!
A way eduational leaders might use blogs is to communicate and gather input and information from other educational leaders within their own school district as well as around their area, state, nation, or even world.
I probably shouldn't have titled this "Research Hell Ride" but I just get sick at the stomach when I hear the words "do research". I guess I have nightmares of all nighters in college and reports pages and pages long that seemed to not be worth all the efforts. I am excited about my possible topics & look forward to the reactions and outcomes of what will come out of the research.
ReplyDeleteTeachers and administration are conducting informal action research all the time. Whether it relates to teaching strategies for a group of students, vocabulary activities, or even organizational setups in the classroom, we are constantly reflecting on what works and what does not, and hopefully trying to adapt to the changes that will create a better environment for the students. Reflection is one of the most important parts of action research because this is where the improvements come in, which is the overall goal of an action research study. It is imperative that we perform continuing action research in order to have continued student success.
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