EDLD 5301
WEEK #2 BLOG

This week, we took a look at 3 case studies in the area of action research.  The studies revolved around people who were currently utilizing action research projects in their own school district to improve student learning and performance.  Each of these men gave valuable insight into how this type of research can be very beneficial to their students, teachers, and administrators.

Our text took a look at the various areas that are ripe for completing an action research projects.  The areas that we specifically looked at were:  staff development, curriculum development, individual teacher(s), individual student(s), school culture/community, leadership, management, school performance, and social justice or equity issues.  I found it interesting to look at the various questions that leaders had posed in each of these areas above.  It made me think about the way we are currently doing things in Argyle, Texas.  I realized that while we are quite successful doing things the way we are, there are many areas where we can improve – and action research could be a beneficial tool to utilize.  

Finally, I was able to visit with my site supervisor (Mr. Jeff Butts - Principal of Argyle High School) via e-mail about some topics of interest to both of us.  We decided on three questions to consider for this project:

1.     How does involvement in school related, extracurricular activities affect student attendance, tardies, and discipline as compared to students who are not involved in such activities?

2.     How can our current BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) program be modified to better impact student learning and performance?

3.     What can we do to modify our current policies and procedures to improve student tardies, behavior, and attendance?

 

Our plan is to consider these questions over the next few weeks before we meet to finalize the specifics for the project.

 

 

 

 



EDLD 5301 BLOG #1

WHAT IS ACTION RESEARCH?

This week, I have learned that action research is a research technique designed to help educators address a specific question or problem within their own school.  First, practitioners define an issue, question, or problem that they hope to address in the future.  Next, data is gathered from a variety of sources over a period of time.  This data can be very beneficial to solving the concern at hand on the practitioner’s campus.  That specific data is then analyzed and interpreted to see how it can be utilized to address the concern.  After that, the practitioner develops a plan of action (utilizing the collected data) that attempts to solve the problem at hand.  The final step in action research is to reflect on the entire process.  Reflection is important because it allows us to evaluate several aspects of the implemented change.  It also allows us to celebrate the fruits of our labor.

Action research appears to be a much better research tool that traditional educational research.  By allowing the practitioner to be engaged as the “problem poser” and “problem solver,” action research allows those in charge to identify solutions to their specific school and their specific needs.  As I move into the role of being a principal in the future, I believe that action research will allow me to identify solutions to issues that may be global in nature or specific to only my school.  It will allow me to utilize people who are in my school's classrooms every day and are dealing with the exact same issues and concerns.  I believe that action research will help me focus on my teachers’ and my students’ needs as they relate to my individual campus.

HOW EDUCATIONAL LEADERS MIGHT USE BLOGS

Educational leaders can utilize blogs in several ways to benefit themselves and those who they lead.  In terms of their own benefit, principals could use a blog to reflect on various events, problems, activities, concerns, etc.  In this case, the leader would probably set the blog to private in order to keep others from seeing his/her private thoughts.  It would be used much like a journal.  In terms of benefiting others, the principal could use a blog as a way to get public feedback on various concerns of the school.  The leader could pose a question and allow all faculty and staff members on the campus to add their specific comments.  In turn, anyone could then comment on a staff member's post.  This would be a good way for a principal to incorporate his/her staff into the decision-making process.