Week 2

I have learned so many things this week.  You can just about perform action research on anything. I have so ideas and so many questions. Action research is on going and all research can be reevaluated. Action Research can be performed beginning with self and continue district and statewide, and in some cases can be taken to the national level. The most important statement that I took heed to this week in regards to Action Research is that it must be practical, must be what you can identify with in regards to your students, your classroom, your school or district for three reasons. First, it is is interesting to you. Secondly, you are more focused on the outcome. Thirdly, your students will benefit most from your research.

How educational leaders might use blogs

Educational leaders might use blogs to document thoughts and ideas about various topics.  It also allows for feedback and suggestions from others globally.  Blogs provide a source for sharing your experiences and opportunity for self reflection.  

Action Research

Action research is the inquiry of an organizations operations and procedures to improve the quality of an organization and its performance.  It is when a person or team analyzes the data to improve their practices.  Action research is tied to self reflection.  It is designed for one to analyze their situation, acknowledge any weaknesses and implement a plan of action for the betterment of the organization.  

Action research gives educators an opportunity to reflect on and assess their teachings; brainstorm new ideas and methods; share strategies and solutions with team members; and make appropriate decisions on how to improve instruction and student performance overall.  Action research provides teachers and administrators with an opportunity to better understand what happens in their school. It establishes a decision-making process that guides instructional planning for the school and individual classrooms.  Action research can be used in schools to assess how students’ perform on a regular basis.  Data can be obtained to show student’s performance and decisions can be made on how to improve classroom performance.  Collaboration with team members and stakeholders are essential with action research because input and feedback is vital to the decision making process.  A plan action is then implemented to improve the operations of the school.