As I began this course, research meant looking at what others had done in the past - the traditional research we have all done at one time or another. But though this course, I have become the researcher, looking for ways to better myself, gain more knowledge through action research. We have opportunities to grow, learn, and reflect upon our own practices. "It is the people, not the programs, which determine the quality of the school" (Dana, 2009). This statement by Todd Whitaker was interesting, because in our crazy little world we lose sight of what is important, impacting our students. Teachers are key to the students success, which reflects the success of our schools. Through action research, we can help to enhance the impact that a teacher has on students, looking at changes that need to happen and focusing on improvements which need to be in place. Throughout this course, we have had opportunities to plan and discuss our action research projects, review others plans, and comment on them as well. Communications through blogging will help each of us to improve on our plans and accept comments, suggestions, and ideas from our fellow colleagues. The blogging in itself has been an experience! Through our communications and blogging, we will continue to be life-long learners in our journey. :)

Week 3 draft action research plan

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Week 3 draft action research plan

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Our Learning Continues

Working on this weeks readings and listening to the interviews for EDLD 5301, I understand better how action research is beneficial to us. We are continually working toward improvement in student performance. By conducting action research, we not only impact student achievement, but we also, as educators grow and increase our knowledge. We continue to be life-long learners in our journey.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Educational leaders might use blogs as a way to record thoughts, ideas, and research, getting feedback from fellow colleagues or anyone in the world! It is a way to communicate and collaborate with other leaders. Using blogs as a communication and interactive tool facilitates linking with other bloggers, allowing the combining of information in various ways (ex. videos, blogs, reflections, comments, etc.) and gain greater insights and meanings of research. Blogging can be used as a collaboration technique in education to also connect with other educators to share experiences, strategies, and suggestions which opens a whole new door to unlimited possibilities in communications, thinking, and support for not only educational leaders, but also teachers, parents, and students.

What I’ve Learned: Action Reseach-

I have learned that action research gives admiistrators and leaders more diverse opportunities to study leadership skills and processes while altering what is necessary through questions or "wonderings" they have about their own reflection practices. Action research is a powerful tool utilized by practitioners as it is ongoing and a "continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action" (Dana, N.F., 2009). Action research focuses on improvement through influencing change, as the process allows for inquiry and collaboration among practitioners addressing, examining, and assessing concerns to real problems they experience in their own schools. The tool is so powerful in that the inquiry process works to improve from the inside, focusing on principal, teacher, or student needs. Additionally, reflection is essential in understanding what changes are necessary. The process begins with inquiry, identifying the problem, collecting and interpreting data, reflection, and determining actions to be taken. Action research is a pursuit of expanding knowledge and ways to improve skills, techniques, and strategies to impact students. It, therefore, differs from traditional research in this way. Traditional research begins and ends with outside sources not connected to the "inside."

Using action research as an educator will help me to gain more knowledge and collaborate with colleagues, impacting where it matters the most -- my campus, teachers, and students. As this process is ongoing, the learning will continue as well as collaboration with all individuals, working toward the same goals. Inquiry will help me to be the role model for teachers and students and take control over one issue at a time. Additionally, reflection is a must. Reflecting often will help me to become a better leader and educator, keeping abreast of the issues and challenges faced on my campus, communicating, collaborating, and analyzing strategies and techniques that are valuable in attaining student success.

Resources:
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.