What I have learned about action research.

Campus leaders are oftentimes told from experts looking from the outside what needs to be changed in the educational practice of the campus. I have learned that the action research is a powerful tool that principals, leadership teams and teachers can use to engage in active research, reflection and change for their campus. It is facilitating change from the inside based on valid research. Action research allows the practitioner to take charge of his own learning instead of just following a recipe written by experts looking on from the outside. Taking part in the research inquiry causes the practitioner to become more passionate about what changes are needed in the educational practice, and he is more likely to facilitate the needed changes (Dana, 2009).

Action research is a systematic study in which the practitioner evaluates his own practices and takes action based on inquiry through research for necessary changes (Dana, 2009). Action research begins with an open ended question about a practical educational practice that requires further investigation. Beginning with a question gives specific direction to how the research process should progress. The practitioner gather data in various ways, analyzes the data, reflects on what needs to be changed,and takes action to make the change.

The practitioner becomes part of a collaborative community researching the answer to the question. An important part of action research is to set aside time in an already busy schedule to perform the research. The biggest benefit of action research is that the practitioner thoroughly reflects and understands what is working and not working on his campus. He has put forth the time and effort to answer the driving question. His knowledge is from his own learning which is a powerful beginning to facilitate changes.

References:
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: the principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.



How educational leaders can use blogs.

Blogs can be an excellent means of communication between the educational leader and the stakeholders of the school. A principal that sends out weekly emails could change those emails to blog format. Parents can comment on the principal's blog and view comments from other stakeholders of the school.

Educational leaders may use a blog to share their insights as they go through the action research process. Comments from a collaborative community of educators can give new insight into the experiences that are documented through a blog.