I have learned that action research is certainly more fun than what we consider traditional research. In action research you are able to research something that is of interest to you and that you question. Because you relate the research to what you are doing in education, it becomes a valuable tool for finding effective solutions to problems which may be occurring. This can relate to what and how you are teaching, curriculum issues, meeting students’ needs, refining classroom instruction to better meet the campus vision, or anything that you may be questioning.
As an administrator you can empower your staff to become action researchers by being a role model. You can use this type of research for almost anything you may have concerns about or question. This type of research encourages collaboration between colleagues and opens up the door for effective communication. We learn from others and what better way to learn than to learn from colleagues who are in the trenches doing the same thing you are. In traditional research very often you are researching what others have done and they are usually far removed from the educational setting if they were ever there in the first place.
I am actually looking forward to utilizing this process. I can say when I knew we were going to have to do a research course I was dreading it. Having already completed one master’s, I knew or should I say I thought I knew what was going to occur. Action research from what I have read so far is truly the way research should be done.
Blogs:
As a campus leader blogs can be used in many ways. Blogs can be used for a type of journaling or online diary as Dana (2009) suggests. Blogs can be used for reflecting on research you are doing or on how a situation was handled. When using blogs you can create them so they are interactive and can receive comments from others. Blogging can also be use to gather data and over time you can follow your train of thoughts as you progress through a task. Blogs can also be used in an educational setting to promote and model writing. Overall blogs can be very useful in the classroom and in administration.
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press, 87-89.
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I like the way you wrote that action research is fun because it is and it should be fun for those who are leading. One needs to look at hat works and doesn't work but look at it in a positive fun way. Blogging is also fun and a creative way to journal.
ReplyDeleteYour post is professionally done. I like your creative ways in which to use blogs. Before we end our courses, we need to have a community blog for our Lamar colleagues to reference in the future.
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy,
ReplyDeleteWell done. Your writing style is easy to read and full of good insight. I tend to agree that the old style of research, one that I loved to conduct as an undergraduate, is no longer a method that could be useful in our world today. Action research is more personalized but has potential to affect countless others (hopefully in a positive way). Good job! Kate