What I have learned what action research means to me:
Action Research is having the ability to go deep into a situation or problem and analyze beyond the scope of traditional educational research. Traditionally outside source would be used to solve educational problems, maybe books, videos, or someone from a university. In the text, Harris et al., I have gained an understanding about action research, it is a systematic tool that allows researcher, administrator and/or teacher, to be a physician of their own issues, not an outside resource (pp.6-7). When the tool is used correctly, analyzing produces a cure to the whole affected areas, not a quick fix to symptoms.
Also, to add to this knowledge, the Dana text, I have been able to grasp a better understanding of how action research will enable me as an administrator to pinpoint issues or problems and use a systematic process to fix the source of the problem, keeping it from reoccurring (pp.1-2).
The process starts by stepping back from the problem and looking at it from all angles to clearly define the problem. My site supervisor and I have decided discipline is an excellent action research topic for our campus. For this topic, we need to first look at the problem from different perspectives, different severities, and other factors concerning discipline.
Second process, collection of data will be comprised and analyzed to look at the problem from different perspectives. I will need to gather different data to analyze our discipline problem by collecting different data sources: past referrals, state assessment scores, teacher and student input, and other resources affecting discipline within the campus.
Third process, will be thoroughly evaluating process one and two, create a strategic solution to solving the problem and making those changes.
Fourth process, information needs to be shared with employees and workers. The issue monitor throughout time to insure reoccurrence does not take place.
How educational leaders might use blogs:
Blogs can become a powerful resource for documentation of reflection in the educational field. Administrator, teachers, students, and/or community can follow an issue or project as it unfolds to enhance an understanding about how a subject is solved or produced.
