Monday, May 30, 2011
Leaders and Blogs
After writing about action research, it becomes very apparent how blogs can and should be used by educational leaders. The ability to collaborate with all stakeholders by using a blog would not only give everyone a voice but save time. How often have we all sat in meetings after school and been given the task of brainstorming or problem-solving? I would certainly have been more forthcoming and engaged if I had been afforded the opportunity to respond through a blog at my convenience. I believe that using tools such as this will allow for more reflective input and yield greater results regardless of the subject and/or task.
Action Research
Action Research has been practiced in the school setting for many years. It invites educators to identify an area in need of improvement in the classroom, grade level, campus and/or district. A plan is created and implemented. The group studies the results and then reflects about the outcome. The reflection often leads back to the beginning of action research. A new need develops and the process starts over.
There are numerous models to follow and many books and articles to read regarding action research. I've found that the best approach comes from discovery. Hard and soft data tells the story about every setting in education. Action Research is similar to planning a course. You must know what the desired outcome is, create a plan on how to achieve the outcome and know when you have reached the desired outcome. Once the action research group decides on the need for improvement or change, the research and planning begins. The plan is then put into action over a designated period of time. The results of the plan and the the entire process are analyzed. Reflection occurs throughout action research but more so at this point. One of the most important questions to ponder: "Where do we go from here?"
Action research has been successful when implemented by small and large groups of educators, entire campuses and departments. However, I would like to explore districts that consistently practice action research beyond the district planning committee.
Action research would have been more productive and less time consuming had I used blogs and wikis during the process. The organization of the research and the collaboration would have been much easier for everyone to access.
There are numerous models to follow and many books and articles to read regarding action research. I've found that the best approach comes from discovery. Hard and soft data tells the story about every setting in education. Action Research is similar to planning a course. You must know what the desired outcome is, create a plan on how to achieve the outcome and know when you have reached the desired outcome. Once the action research group decides on the need for improvement or change, the research and planning begins. The plan is then put into action over a designated period of time. The results of the plan and the the entire process are analyzed. Reflection occurs throughout action research but more so at this point. One of the most important questions to ponder: "Where do we go from here?"
Action research has been successful when implemented by small and large groups of educators, entire campuses and departments. However, I would like to explore districts that consistently practice action research beyond the district planning committee.
Action research would have been more productive and less time consuming had I used blogs and wikis during the process. The organization of the research and the collaboration would have been much easier for everyone to access.
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