EDLD 3501 Wk 1 Pt 3 "Building a Blog on Action Research"

Action research is a great way for a principal intern to grow professionally. It is designed to not only promote my growth but also real growth on my campus. Inquiry will allow me to choose a topic of interest that relates to a need on my campus to focus on. This focal point will provide a starting place to reflect on my own practices. Evaluating my practices will force me to discover my strengths and weaknesses. This is a great way for me to begin developing the habit of questioning and examining the effectiveness of what I do. The initial reflection stage will bring to light the need for change and improvement. Once the deficiencies are pinpointed, specific steps can be taken to address them. This is where much of the research takes place. The quest for new approaches to my practices will involve spending time learning underlying theories. This involves utilizing and consulting a vast array of resources including literature, co-workers, colleagues, and other professionals. The key aspect of action research though is action. The inquiry processes revolve around becoming familiar with theoretical knowledge and then melding it with real life application. Action research is cognizant of the reality that no two schools or people are alike and that theory is a guide and must be adapted to effectively influence positive growth. Action research at the campus level aides the principal in overcoming isolationism both with themselves and the teachers. It facilitates the development of networks of professional connections that move the staff to interact and discuss practices. The principal is the key person to implement and model effective action research as a regular practice. According to Dana, “learning must be something teachers and students do, not something that others do to or for them (2009, p. 12). Inquiry involves an exchange of ideas which motivates people to act, inevitably resulting in individual and collective growth. I am looking forward to incorporating the concept into my internship plan. I will use the process to first evaluate my own unique needs and then examine the needs of my campus. I am curious to see how the action research unfolds as I begin to implement it in my own practices.

Educational leaders can use blogs to facilitate the exchange of ideas and knowledge that is desperately needed in schools. For example, communication is an area that the campus where I teach has ranked low. I believe that a blog could be used by our campus as another collaborative tool. It is often difficult to physically get people together in work groups due to the demanding schedules of the individuals. A conversation on a blog is not dependent on this factor. The contributing parties can read and respond when it is convenient for them. Also, a blog helps keep the conversation going long beyond the conventional time constraints of a meeting. Due to collaborative nature of a blog, it is a useful tool in implementing campus wide action research.