Reflection

Action Research is the way an educator can solve problems when they arise. Many educators tend to ask questions, and stop at that step. As educators, our profession is constantly growing and discovering new ways to better ourselves for the learner. And with stopping at the questions, we are doing an injustice for our learners. Dana (2009) has great insights in her book Leading with a Passion and Knowledge of how to prepare educators on the importance of the use of action research. When reading chapter two, it goes much deeper into the areas an administrator should continue to access each school year to create an enriched learning environment for both teacher and student.

How can Educational Leaders use Blogs?

Educational Leaders can use blogs in many ways, whether it's on campus or off campus. As a community educational leaders can use blogs as a resource for seeking advice and or a communication tool with other administrators. Also on campus an educational leader could create a school-wide blog for the staff to communicate information, issues and or helpful tips. The main benefit to a blog is creating a open community with others in the same field or campus to help meet the needs of others.

Is Action Research Effective?

Action research has proven to be the new way of educational research on schools, teaching and learning. Why is this a more efficient way to research than implementing theories? It's simple, why try to mold a theory to the issues at hand, when you can go straight to the source of the question. Administrators can use the process of action research to better meet the needs of the staff, students, parents and community. Moreover, the answers are driven from the school not from an out-sourced theory. By examining issues on campus as a professional learning community, the staff and school will know first-hand what works for their community. Not all theories are sufficient enough, but using research and implementing strategies for the school can have a better interpretation of what the answers may be. For instance, how will an administrator know that teachers are in need of a specific professional development, if they don't ask the staff. Looking inside the situation is proving to be more effective than seeking an outside source first. Action research is a great way to create engagement with the staff to help clarify unresolved issues of the school. By working as a team, the school will grow as a team and continue to build effective strategies for improvement of the students.