Action Research Post Week 1

1. This week in my reading of the texts, Examing What We Do To Improve Our Schools(Harris,Edmondson,Combs2010), and Leading with Passion and Knowledge(Dana,2009) I have learned a great deal about Action Research. Both texts give great insight about what Action Research is and isn't. As stated by Dana, "...administrator inquiry (action research) refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry".(Dana, 2009) It is the principal, in conjunction with their stakeholders, taking responsibility for the issues that are affecting their school. The principal becomes the "head learner" and becomes an active problem solver. This process calls for collaboration and communication. One way that the principal and stakeholders can communicate to each other is with the use of blogs. Blogging can help principals communicate and share ideas, offer and request support, and can also be used for reflection. Blogging can help a principal connect to his/her stakeholders and those outside of his/her campus. Blogging can be a very useful and effective tool for all administrators to incorporate into their action research process and into their daily schedules.