Over the past week I have gained a lot of insight into what exactly action research is. Knowing what I now know, it has become clear to me that I have been a part of action research without even knowing it. Once I was able to figure this out I was able to reflect on my experiences this year in order to give myself more insight into this weeks assignment. Also, after completing this weeks readings I was able to gain a better understanding of how action research is different from what you typically see with educational research. I agree with the text in that action research is much more beneficial for teachers and administrators than traditional educational research. Action research allows for multiple people on a campus to become involved in the process. With action research people who are in and around the classroom on a day in and day out basis are able to determine which questions to ask. Not only that, but these same people are able to engage in the collection of data, and eventually interpreting the data.
This makes action research great for many different reasons. The most important reason that I learned about this week was the professional development. Since campus staff is involved in deciding which topics or questions to research, action research provides the opportunity for reflection.
How educational leaders might use blogs?
It is my opinion that there are several ways that an educational leader might us a blog. One example that I recently saw on a district website that I was applying for was a newsletter form. The principal of this particular campus used his blog as sort of a weekly newsletter. Teachers and parents could then go on and read the blog of the principal and be kept up to date with the most current news of the campus. A blog could also be used to provide a forum for teachers to give feedback. The administrator could pose questions on the blog and allow for teachers to use the blog as a form of feedback.
