WEEK 2 Action Research

The most prominent aspect of what I learned about Action Research during week 2 of EDLD 5301 was how to condense the inquiry into a manageable inquiry.  I also found out that I have a dilemma concerning my action research.  While most LU online students enroll in EDLD 5301 as the 2nd course of the program and EDLD 5397 is the 7th course in the sequence, may case differs.  EDLD 5301 Research is my tenth course and EDLD 5397 will be my 11th course. This allows for very little time to conduct the action research project.  Another interesting tidbit is that my e-portfolio was completed before I began the EDLD 5301 Research course.  With the assistance of Dr. Jenkins, we will figure it out.  I hope everyone has a wonderful Spring Break 2013!

BLOGS & Educational Leaders

Educational leaders might use blogs as a quick and effective way to share ideas and concepts.  Coaches have done this for years by going to meet with other coaching staffs to share ideas and gain knowledge.  Educational blogs could eliminate travel and time speaking one on one.  Educational leaders could pose questions to one another, blog about best practices, blog about what new strategies have worked and what has failed.  Blogging would be a great way to seek advice and input on educational questions or strategies.

What is ACTION RESEARCH?

In my brief study of "Action Research" or as it is often referred to"Administrative Inquiry", I have learned that this is a valuable tool for any administrator.  This tool can be used to unclutter the days events and demands, while taking charge of the administrators own professional development.  In addition, administrative inquiry is a pathway for a principal to become the "head learner" of their campus.  Modeling this is a positive for any educational staff. 
The nuts and bolts of the action research process begins by a principal engaging in an intentional study of their job performance, routine, and effectiveness.  The ultimate goal in this process is to produce positive needed personal and professional change as a result of the inquiry.
I have also learning that Action Research is different from traditional research because it provides a practical way to improve education, teaching, and learning.  This is accomplished by addressing specific campus issues.  It requires an examination of relevant data and an opening of pathways for professional growth and most importantly, school improvement.
While thinking about the many possible ways to use Action Research, two scenarios became very apparent for me.  First, I truly believe that the process of self evaluation is critical for personal improvement in any job or position.  The ability to use the administrator inquiry piece should be a powerful tool for self improvement.  The second area that I believe is critical for the use of Action Research in the area of developing professional learning communities (PLC) in schools.  Education has changed drastically in the past 10-15 years.  The utilization and maximization of PLCs is the key for any principal to initiate a change process in schools that would positively affect student achievement.  Action Research provides the tools and framework needed for this to occur.