Week 2 Reflection

This week I learned that it is important to conduct research projects because as educators we never stop learning. “If you’re green you’re growing. If you’re brown you’re dying.” (Chargois, 2010). Teachers need to learn how to be action research oriented and not just learn about pedagogy and content (Chargois, 2010). Teachers and campuses need to be data driven and use that data to impact instruction. It is crucial to also look at the facts because looking at the numbers doesn't tell the whole story (Briseno, 2010). However, the research needs to be practical to you. It needs to apply to your campus' situation. When the research applies to you and your campus you will be more interested in the project, more focused on the outcome, and your students will benefit (Kirk, 2010).

Chargois, T. (2010, July). Action research. In E. Aterbury, S. Jenkins, & G. Martin (Professors). EDLD 5301 Research, Week 2 (Video 2). Lecture conducted from Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. Retrieved on line July 19, 2010 from https://lamar.epiclms.net/Learn/Player.aspx?enrollmentid=1300774

Lewis, K. (2010, July). Action research. In E. Aterbury, S. Jenkins, & G. Martin (Professors). EDLD 5301 Research, Week 2 (Video 2). Lecture conducted from Lamar University, Beaumont, TX. Retrieved on line July 19, 2010 from https://lamar.epiclms.net/Learn/Player.aspx?enrollmentid=1300774

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

Educational leaders might use blogs as a way to communicate and collaborate with other leaders. It is a great forum for leaders to share their findings or reflections from their action research and allow other leaders to ask questions or provide input. Educational leaders can also use blogs to communicate with their teachers and parents. It is a great tool to keep everyone up to date on the campus happenings.

What I Have Learned About Action Research

Action research is investigating in a systematic way. It requires leaders to examine data, ask questions, and request more information (Harris, Edmonson, & Combs, 2010). Educational leaders than take action for change based on what they learned from their inquiry (Fitchman Dana, 2009). It is a reflective process that allows for inquiry and discussion as components of the research. Inquiry research is seen as a collaborative tool that searches for solutions to everyday tribulations experienced in schools or for strategies to improve instruction and increase student achievement. Action research enables educational leaders to address those campus concerns that they can exhibit some influence over and create change. Action research, usually refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind, usually with a social justice focus, whereas traditional research quite often has the goal only of examining a practitioner’s practice to improve it or better understand what works (Fitchman Dana, 2009). The process of action research assists educators in assessing needs, documenting the steps of inquiry, analyzing data, and making informed decisions that can lead to desired outcomes (Fitchman Dana, 2009). Action research also gives educational leaders the opportunity to evaluate themselves. It can serve as a chance to reflect on one’s own leadership and determine what effect it has on their campus.

Fitchman Dana, N. (2009). Leading With Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press.
Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action. Larchmont: Eye on Education.