Reflections on Action Research Week 2

     As I think about my second week to ever even hear the words "action research", my brain is swimming in different words and phrases that come to my mind.  Some of the words that pop in my brain include: focused, research, wonderings, collaboration, data, flexible, centered....I could go on. I still feel that I have a lot to learn as I continue this course.  Listening to the interviews of the different principals and superintendents was so beneficial.  It validates that everything we're learning right now, we will use consistently in our work.  I feel like I've dabbled in action inquiry as a teacher and even in my personal life (I just didn't know it had a name).  My first year of teaching, I remember having a student in my class that struggled with reading and I spent many nights pouring over old text books from college and googling different strategies to use with struggling readers.  I'm still trying to decide which of my three ideas from my internship plan I want to focus on for my action research plan...I know my time is running out as Sunday creeps closer and closer. I'm hoping that I can choose an issue that will have the greatest impact on my campus.

Educational Leaders and Blogging.....

     We are 21st century administrators in a world of 21st century learners and parents.  We must adapt our administrative style to fit that of the world we live in today.  We need to utilize tools that were created to make our lives easier.  Blogging is a fantastic way to journal your reflections and thinking and keep track of your learning in an organized way.  We can use the blog to reflect during our action research and look back  and use our older reflections to help shape and guide us as we continue our research. 
     We can also use our blogs to share stories and encourage struggling writers to look at writing as a way to express your thoughts, passions and interests.  It can encourage students to embrace a love of writing and expressing their thoughts. 
     Another way to use blogging as an administrator is to use it as a communicative tool for parents and students to utilize for upcoming events, happenings at school, and important dates.  Parents may not have time to sit an chat with you about what's happening at the school, but if a principal or assistant principal took the time to write a few highlights at the end of each week, it would help parents feel more informed. 
     Administrators could also teach teachers how to use a blog and teachers could create a blog for their classrooms.  Parents always want to know what their children are doing at school and this would be an incredible way for the teacher to show parents what their students are doing and learning at school. 

My new learning on Action Research

     I've learned many new things about action research through my readings this week.  One thing that I've learned about action research is that it is an approach to change that starts with the administrator.  The first step is reflecting on your approach and practice as an administrator and developing a plan of implementation for changes that need to be made.  After recognizing the changes needed to be made, the administrator researches best practices, collaborates and shares new findings and learning with colleagues, continues reflecting on their growth, and implements these changes in their schools.  They reflect on the effectiveness of these changes and seek out ways to consistently uphold these changes and make tweaks as needed to ensure success and, when needed, accountability.  
    I intend on using action research right now as a teacher on a smaller scale in my own classroom.  I will consistently use this blog to reflect on my approach to teaching and forming relationships with my students.  When I see a problem arise I will use the process of action inquiry to help grow me as a professional.  When I become an administrator, I will consistently use action inquiry to ensure I'm helping to maintain an environment that is supportive, encouraging, and positive.  I will consistently reflect on myself as an administrator, and when I feel I'm lacking in a certain area I will utilize my knowledge of action research to better myself as a professional and for the good of the school.