Action Research Defined
Action research is a systematic approach to improving education while doing the work on a daily basis. Nancy Fichtman Dana describes it as "the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry (p.2)" in her text, Leading With Passion and Knowledge. Action research could be described as working inquiry.
A principal can dive deeper into a problem question that may have come up on his or her campus, research information about it, choose or formulate an action to improve the issue, analyze the results and make changes as needed, and then share the results with others on campus. Rather than other methodologies that rely on the expertise of outside researchers, the principal and his or her staff play the role of the expert. Doesn't this make sense? After all, who is better poised to understand the daily events with students than the teachers and administrators inside the school building?
Action Research in Progress
I would love to use this along with our campus' use of technology in the classroom. So many times, a new school account for a web-based tool is shared with us, or a new piece of hardware is added to our desks, and the number of staff members who jump on the bandwagon of technology integration...well, let's just say it could increase. I do believe that my campus has a lot of techno-savvy teachers on staff, however, when you're in the middle of curriculum in the middle of the year, throwing another tool into the mix is sometimes another tool that gets overlooked. Is that good use of funds? There must be information available about best practices for integration of new technology tools that can serve as a propeller for making this an action research/inquiry project at my campus. The idea of making inquiry about this topic during the year makes "research" seem approachable; as part of my job, taking the time to reflect on a focus that I am interested in because I know it is immediately applicable--that is research worth doing!
Resources:
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
I'm an Educator. Why Blog?
In this digital age, blogging has become a mainstream way of connecting with others. People blog about their families, their hobbies, their jobs, and just about any other topic. Educators are growing to value the blogging phenomenon as a way to collaborate with others in the field of education. Blogging with other experts is a way to learn new things, discuss issues, and share information. Educators can keep blogs as a means to communicate with parents, students, peers, and the community as well.
Action research is a systematic approach to improving education while doing the work on a daily basis. Nancy Fichtman Dana describes it as "the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry (p.2)" in her text, Leading With Passion and Knowledge. Action research could be described as working inquiry.
A principal can dive deeper into a problem question that may have come up on his or her campus, research information about it, choose or formulate an action to improve the issue, analyze the results and make changes as needed, and then share the results with others on campus. Rather than other methodologies that rely on the expertise of outside researchers, the principal and his or her staff play the role of the expert. Doesn't this make sense? After all, who is better poised to understand the daily events with students than the teachers and administrators inside the school building?
Action Research in Progress
I would love to use this along with our campus' use of technology in the classroom. So many times, a new school account for a web-based tool is shared with us, or a new piece of hardware is added to our desks, and the number of staff members who jump on the bandwagon of technology integration...well, let's just say it could increase. I do believe that my campus has a lot of techno-savvy teachers on staff, however, when you're in the middle of curriculum in the middle of the year, throwing another tool into the mix is sometimes another tool that gets overlooked. Is that good use of funds? There must be information available about best practices for integration of new technology tools that can serve as a propeller for making this an action research/inquiry project at my campus. The idea of making inquiry about this topic during the year makes "research" seem approachable; as part of my job, taking the time to reflect on a focus that I am interested in because I know it is immediately applicable--that is research worth doing!
Resources:
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
I'm an Educator. Why Blog?
In this digital age, blogging has become a mainstream way of connecting with others. People blog about their families, their hobbies, their jobs, and just about any other topic. Educators are growing to value the blogging phenomenon as a way to collaborate with others in the field of education. Blogging with other experts is a way to learn new things, discuss issues, and share information. Educators can keep blogs as a means to communicate with parents, students, peers, and the community as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment