Action Research

Action Research, commonly known as Administration Inquiry, occurs when Educational Leaders and teachers are allowed to implement school improvement strategies and modalities based upon self reflection and pro-action, not relying on qualitative and research oriented methods. Educational leaders and teachers were expected to remain in a passive role, to just receive and implement the suggested research; and not be problem posers or problem solvers (Dana, 2009, p 4). I have learned that almost any problem within a school district can be addressed through action research. It is a good way to let everyone’s voice be heard through this process. Action research is a way to find a solution for a problem using an “inside” source rather then implementing outside figures to come into an issue and address the problem. This in itself can make a staff feel like their opinion matters and their voice is being heard when a problem does arise. I mean think about it, who is going to know more about a problem someone who deals with it and has experience on a daily basis or someone that doesn’t have any kind of direct relationship with the concern? Another aspect of research which does not allow educators any real reflection is the concept of qualitative or interpretive work, university research designed to assist educators in school improvement initiatives. Therefore, action research has enabled educational leaders and teachers to engage in reflective action in the development and design of the educational process.

Educational leaders might use a blog to create an active and ongoing communication between themselves and their staff. It is an easy way for everyone to log on and check a daily message or ongoing news for any upcoming events. It is simple for educational leaders to adjust and add new material to these blogs where they can get messages across instantly to a mass number of people. A leader can also use a blog to pass along websites and resources that might be useful to better their staff’s educational process. These links would be a lot easier to follow through a blog rather than word of mouth in a meeting or personal conversation.