Research in Action
Tired of reading about what others have done? Or maybe you are thinking there is no way that these suggestions will work in my school. Well, as an action researchers, educators actually make inquiries on problems that occur in their school community. Can you believe it? Something that pertains specifically to your school needs? Hmm, the one hang up with that comment is that you must admit your school has problems. But, remember the first step to solving a problem is to admit that you have one :). Maybe you are bogged down with data plots, tracking sheets, deadlines and meetings and you are thinking there has got to be a better way to help struggling students close the achievement gap than the Student Teacher Assistance Team (STAT) process. Well, you can use action research to improve your school's STAT process. (Action research encompasses three important benefits: theories and knowledge come from realities of educational practices; educators collaborate as they investigate their own problems: and change is more likely to occur because outcomes are based on practitioners' research) (Dana 2009) Keep in mind that action research is a team effort and can be utilized with your instructional leadership team as well as within Professional Learning Communities. So go ahead and forget tradition; use action research to make a difference at your school.
Thinking in Plain Sight
Using a blog is an easy way for educators to share their thinking with their school community or anyone with Internet access. This could literally be billions of people. As bloggers comments on the principal's news, she has the opportunity to reflect and change her thinking.
Latonia,
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your straight forward to the point explanantion on the effects of action research. If you want something done then take a look at yourself and fix it. So many times we put blame on everybody else and don't consider looking into the problem on our own.
Latonia,
ReplyDeleteYou combined a great summary of what action research is and how it can benefit you and your school. I particularly liked the way you "sold" the idea of using action research as a way to avoid becoming mired in someone else's research and personalize the research to solve your own campus problems. I enjoyed your approach and it made me want to get started on a research project and focus on what I can do to solve a problem through action inquiry!
I know of one principal who uses a website to get information out to his community. It has been somewhat successsfull, in that about 1/3 of his students do not have internet at home. I am wondering how the blog could encourage parents to get internet access.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you made it easy and fun to read. I will be keeping up with your blogs.
ReplyDeleteThis post is a great way of "convincing" the others of the importance of action research. I like your format and your casual style.
ReplyDelete