Action Research and How an Administrator Can Use It

Action research refers to the process of a principal engaging in a study of his or her own practice and taking action for change based on what he or she learns as a result of the study. The administrator analyzes, questions, and reflects upon an issue. He or she is eager to learn about different ways of doing things and conducts research by using books, journals, peer discussions and/or past experiences. It is cyclic in nature in that the administrator is constantly reevaluating and looking for ways to improve the current process. This allows the administrator to correct issues from the inside of the school by using those closest to the problem or idea (teachers and administrators). Collaboratively they analyze, evaluate, and reflect upon what change needs to take place. This process encourages administrators to take charge of their own learning and become fully engaged. Reflective inquiry eventually becomes embedded in their administrative duties and allows for enhanced professional growth.

There are many questions or wonderings in an educational setting that would benefit from an action research investigation.

1.  How can we make staff development more effective for our teachers in order to improve student learning?

2.  How can we establish, increase, improve and maintain parental involvement at each campus through PTO?

3.  How can we improve the RTI process in order to make it more effective for both our teachers and our students?

Continuous reflection upon a wondering broadens perspectives and allows deeper insight of various methods. Researching, debating, and understanding different points of views on an issue are an important process and experience for both teachers and principals. It helps them to develop and grow into life long learners and role models that are much needed in an educational setting. Working collaboratively with colleagues provides many challenges, but is necessary to develop relationships, mutual respect, and trust. Empowering teachers and encouraging them through the process of research inquiry also helps them to feel a sense of accomplishment and understanding that they are truly an important asset to the school. Gaining trust and respect encourages coworkers to open up about issues that may be going on in that department or grade level that as an administrator you were not aware of. This, in the long run, will benefit both the teachers and the students.

Educational leaders can use blogs as a reflection tool on their day-to-day decisions and tasks at hand. It is form of data collection that can be very beneficial. It allows the principal access to multiple blogger’s ideas and thoughts as they respond to the reflections. Each blogger’s background knowledge of the subject will differ and allow for various suggestions and or opinions. It may allow the administrator to see things in a different light after reading others responses. Administrators could also implement blogging into the school curriculum for students to use as a tool for improving writing or knowledge/use of technology.