Week 2 Action Research

During this week's assignment I have learned a lot about various areas in which action research is applicable.  There are many different aspects of a principal's role in a school and many opportunities to make each aspect the best it can possibly be if the time is taken to make it the best.

I was also able to narrow down an action research topic with my principal/site supervisor. She encouraged me to research the effectiveness of mentoring programs with low-achieving students. We actually have a local distribution company that is a part of a major nationwide company who has expressed a serious interest in becoming involved with volunteering to serve as mentors for our students. Mentors from this company will be coming in each week to work with students. I will be researching effective strategies to making the mentoring program as successful as possible.

How might educational leaders use blogs?

Educational leaders could use blogs to interact with colleagues. By developing collegiality, leaders will feel more involved and more in control of identifying and resolving issues relevant to their environment.  Asking for suggestions or offering advice could be helpful.  Leaders could also use blogs to post announcements for parents and students. Increasing communication between all parties will increase morale and involvement of those affected by educational decisions and events.

What knowledge have I gained regarding action research?

 

Action research can be used to address specific, relevant issues that a school principal or other practitioner identifies.  The knowledge gained through action research is much more useful and applicable than a workshop for instance presented to a large group of educators.  Action research is tailored to the specific needs of a school and is therefore, more meaningful.  By gaining information and knowledge addressing an actual issue in need of improvement, an action researcher is more likely to apply and reflect upon the situation.  By monitoring and reflecting on the situation, one can determine if an issue has improved or not. Further steps may be required in order to fully address the issue unless the problem was resolved.  For the duration of my internship and in the future as a possible administrator, action research will be beneficial.  My site supervisor and I have already discussed a couple of issues that need improvement, but the main focus is increasing test scores.  So many things are based on test scores, and many look at test scores as a reflection of the teacher.  Finding ways to increase student achievement on tests are essential at determining if a school is in fact, effective.  There are always issues or situations that need improving. Every year since I have been teaching, there have been new concerns or questions that need solutions.  I plan to become an active researcher to find solutions to problems specific to my school and colleagues.  Issues such as increasing test scores, student motivation, student classroom performance, teacher effectiveness, instructional methods, parental involvement and support, funding sources, and dress codes are all worthwhile topics for research. By determining specific topics, schools can take ownership and work to improve on issues one step at a time.