Thoughts on Action Research:
Since my journey of attaining my Masters in Education started I have been introduced to many new perspectives of educational administration. Action research is the most recent that I have studied. Sure I had heard about it from some of my administrators but I never took the time to actually realize what it was, what all is involved, and how much it can help. I now understand that in order for me to be successful personally and professionally I will have to have action research projects.
I feel that action research can be summed up in 2 words and those would be INSIDE CHANGE. In order for an administrator to formulate the idea of starting an action research they must see some need for change. The need for change can vary from all aspects of their school. Their school may need a change out of the students, teachers, school procedures, or it may be a personal change for the administrator. As with all types of research the main goal is usually some type of change. Then the information is taken and presented out to a broad spectrum of individuals. This is where action research is different. Action research is formulating changes for the inside. As an educational administrator your action research is for changes that are needed in you particular school or district.
Simply put I feel as an administrator you need to be able to see the changes that are needed and take action. You will need to formulate your concerns/ideas and seek answers to those questions. You will need to take time for reflection to monitor your work and allow you to experiment with different solutions that you have formulated. Once you feel you have a good plan collaboratively put your plan into action.
Action research is a pillar of educational administration. Action research will allow you as an administrator to become better both personally and professionally. The education world is always in a
constant mode of change and as an administrator you must be able to make those changes.
As I have begun my journey in educational administration, action research was a new idea to me. I agree that action research in connection to using blogs can be very effective in growing as a leader. What a great way to share ideas and get feedback on research!
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