Action Research and Educational Blogging

After learning more about action research this week, it is clear that it can be a vital tool for the educator, both the teacher and the administrator. Action research is a way for educators to look deeply at their methods and improve them. Action research allows educators to become creators of data instead of users of data through a series of action steps. The action steps are Plan, Act, Observe, and Reflect. Once these steps are completed, the "teacher-researcher" has the opportunity to Replan, Act, Observe, and Reflect creating an open ended spiral of action, observation, reflection, and reaction. This method of research is a critical tool for an educator because it provide them with a means to solve relevent problems. The action research model empowers teachers and administrators alike because this type of research gives the user the power to conduct his own research rather than depend on the research of others. A couple of examples of how action research can be used in the classroom are finding out how to involve kids in the learning process, implementing policies, including technology in the classroom, and many, many more. While some may consider this an amatuerish form of research, when used by an informed educator, it can be a powerful catalyst for change in the classroom, school and ISD.

I feel that a properly maintained blog can be a powerful tool for an administrator and I believe this for 2 reasons. First of all, blogs can provide a valuable means of communication for parents, students, community members, and other school stakeholders. Administrators can provide up to the minute announcements, changes, and other school information to stakeholders in a very simple and easy way. Secondly, I believe blogging can be a powerful tool for administrators when used to communicate with other administrators. Blogs can be used as a peer to peer support system as well as for collaboration efforts.