What I've Learned about Action Research So Far

I really had to shift paradigms about this "Research" class when I began reading about Action Reasearch. I struggled with my definition of research and what the readings and lecture were telling me. Then I read the statement from Nancy Fichtman Dana (2009) about choosing to use the word "inquiry" instead of "research" and things began to make more sense. Dana (2009) also defines administrator inquiry as referring, "to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based onwhat he/she learns as a result of the inquiry." (Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin, A SAGE Company) So in my mind, Action Research has become Adminstrator (or Principal) Inquiry. It also helped when administrator inquiry was compared to teacher research - that a process I am familiar with: studying students' learning related to my teaching, reflecting on my instructional practices and seek out other ways (usually in a form of Professional Development) to improve student learning. (Ringler, M. C. (2007). Action research an effective instructional leadership skill for future public school leaders. AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 4 (1). Retrieved from http://lamar.epiclms.net/resources)

I am now very interested in the process of "wondering" and inquiry that can lead to additional support for my staff and continued instructional growth/success for all students in my school. I can see how valuable making the time for the inquiry process can be. The examples provided in both Dana (2009) and Ringler's (2007) writings led me to the following: on my current campus issues dealing with our Response to Intervention (RtI) process and supporting our economically disadvantaged students and students with special needs are areas of concern I am already "wondering" about. Addressing any one of these issues on my campus through action inquiry would result in more support for teachers and more success for students.

Honestly, I never thought about educational leaders using blogs. I am relatively new to blogs, never seeing their value. However, after the weekly discussion board postings and responses through my Master's classes so far, I can see how a blog would allow educational leaders the opportunity to network with others all over the USA. Getting other leaders' perspectives on issues and concerns; reading about fresh, new ideas helps educational leaders make those contacts others around the country who are experiencing similar situations, reducing professional isolation and allowing administrators to collaborate with peers (Dana pg. 11).

I am looking forward to not only posting on my blog but reading my Master's Candidates' blogs as well.