Thursday, January 17, 2013

What I've Learned About Action Research...

When I saw that Research was my next course, traditional research came to mind. Then I read about Action Research. Action Research is an administrator actively studying their school and posing a question about an issue within their school. The administrator then observes, researches, collects data, and analyzes all the information. Finally, the administrator reflects on their findings to make a decision about what to do next. This interested me. I love data collection and analysis. I love problem solving and learning and trying new things. Action Research encompasses all of these things. It seems so logical. You are researching and learning something new that is going to benefit your school and your teachers. It’s just like what we want our kids to do in the classroom. If they have to do the research and find their own information without being spoon fed, they understand and retain more. They own it. I know if I am involved and I’m learning on my own, I am more capable. The same thing applies to administrators. If the administrator owns the problem and actually participates in the research, they are more prepared to make the decisions that need to be made. They are arming themselves with knowledge and information to better make the decisions/changes that need to be made, or, in some instances, back up decisions that have already been made. Action Research seems to be a very positive, systematic way to work through your problems with data to support your findings.

3 comments:

  1. I also like the fact that action research is done in our own settings/environment. The first benefit that comes to mind because of this is that suggestions and ideas that come from the study will be practical to our own campus. I also agree that because we are involved in the process ourselves that we will take more ownership in it. It makes a lot more sense than taking studies done outside of our settings done by people who don't know first hand the situations that are unique to each of our own districts, campuses and classrooms.

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  2. I am like you, my initial response was research, oh traditional research. Action Research however has definitely peaked my interest. I feel I already do alot of this but never had a name for it. I have always tried to better myself and my leadership skills in the classroom, parenting and even just social skills by looking for changes needed within. I am excited about this class and what knowledge I will gain to enhance my leadership skills in preparation of becoming an administrator.

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  3. I agree with your statement about ownership. I know if I help come up with a solution, I'm more like to do it and remember to follow through with it.

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