ACTION RESEARCH
Action Research involves a reflective
approach to systemically identifying educational issues and addressing the
issues through problem-solving. Action
research does not rely on theory, but rather engages practioners in practical
application. Practioners engage in
conducting needs assessments, gathering and analyzing data, and making informed
decisions.
Practical application may involve one
participant conducting research on an issue germane to her classroom, several
educators addressing a campus matter, or a group of educators problem-solving a
district issue. Individual action
research may focus on classroom management, instructional effectiveness, or
curriculum alignment. For individual
action research to be effective in a campus or district setting, individuals
should have opportunities to share findings with the greater community. Collaborative action research at the campus
level may involve analyzing common assessment results to identify campus
trends. This collaboration draws the
background experiences of the team, which will enhance the action plan. Finally, action research that focuses on a district
problem may include the collective effort of teachers, administrators,
community members, business partners, and parents. The key to the effectiveness of this type of
action research is to have strong communication. Involving all stakeholders ensures that the
nature of the issue is fully understood to by all group members, and that the
perspectives of each can be shared to make informed decisions.
USING BLOGGING TO ENHANCE ACTION RESEARCH
Having a blog would enhance the effectiveness of
each of the above types of action research.
It would provide the educational leader with updated progress on the
research and provide a platform to share his comments. A blog would provide a venue for the
individual researcher to share her information.
It would serve as a communication tool for all stakeholders
participating in collaborative research to conveniently communicate and stay
informed. Conducting action research in
the 21st century has the benefit of the social media tools, which
allow all stakeholders to have a voice.
Leadership in the 21st Century requires leaders to engage
with stakeholders through a variety of social contexts.
I like your blog title, Leadership in the 21st Century, and the background picture of the clouds and sky taking education vision to new heights.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that when education leaders combine blogging and action research it has dynamic possibilities to enhance change and moving traditional education into the 21st century using web 2.0 features in and out of the classroom.
I feel students can be an important part of action research in classrooms, schools, and at the district level. Students are important stakeholders in their own education.
Do you think students can be included in action research at the district level as well as the classroom, and school levels to give them ownership and buy in? EDLD 5396 SP1 12-SU3003
I think including students in campus and district action research would be a great way to give students ownership of their learning. It would also give an interesting perspective from a students' vantage points.
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