Action research is a process for school administrators to continuously improve education processes. Through action research, administrators identify areas of need that are based on local concerns. The administrator takes on the responsibility to research literature, collect data, and make observations to learn more about the problem at hand. Administrators analyze data with the intent to form methods for improvement. The entire process encourages collaboration and practical application of learned material. Action research is of critical importance to the school administrator as they seek to continuously make improvements on their campuses. Rather than simply sit under instruction and receive information, action researchers are involved in the process throughout. The development of a question or problem for research by the administrators ensures that the research is valuable and pertinent. This type of research is important in using professional development budget and time wisely. This process of self reflection and growth also allows leaders to seek new knowledge and immediately apply it to a local context on their campus. Action research could take place amongst a collaborative group of principals, a grade level professional learning community, or even a campus leadership team. All of these contexts allow for the educators to take ownership of the research and directly apply it for the purposes of the students they serve.
Using Blogs
Educational leaders can use blogs to share their learning with a variety of audiences. The use of blogs allows collaboration across distances. The blog can also serve as an access point for reference and communication.
Thank you for writing so clearly! I love reading something that is straight-forward. I have only taught for two years, so I have never given thought to the budget for professional development. Good point! An educational leader must analyze the needs of his/her campus and teachers in order to pick the most appropriate professional development. I think it is so easy for teachers to complain about any type of professional development. I have witnessed this type of attitude several times in only two years of teaching. I try to talk about our professional development in a positive light. If something from professional development is useful and effective, I try to talk about that in conversation with other teachers rather than participate in the bashing session. I am sure our principals would not appreciate the negativity. As future administrators, hopefully we can do a great job of picking applicable and cost-efficient professional development that our staff will enjoy and apply.
ReplyDeleteI know we have all spent time in professional development that presented an overload of information, much of which we could not apply to our campus. I love the fact that action research grows out of the immediate context and addresses the needs of our students.
ReplyDelete