What I have learned about action research and how I might be able to use it

 In the last few days of reading the Dana text, I can say I have a working knowledge of term “action research.” In my words, I defined action research/inquiry as a cognitive concept to gain an understanding of a particular issue by asking questions and find a possible solution through data and research.  I still want to learn more about this cognitive framework as I progress forward in this course and into my master’s program.  By viewing quotes in the book, I was better able to bring the term into a better perspective for my understanding.  It seems like it is a lot of work and time consuming. However, the book provides suggestions and benefits that can help a school flourish. I learned that in order for a leader to be successful, one must be willing to be committed and be able to serve as a role model for teachers and students.  

 The book gives a variety of ways on how action research can make an impact on a school setting and I can see how I could use this when I become an administrator. One main way to use inquiry is to make a justified and collaborative decision to shape education in a school. This could be done through committees or leadership teams. A leader must also create a sense of “buy-in” from teachers if one is to create leadership teams or committees to research a “wondering”.  This will make it easier to facilitate any type of change.

 How educational leaders might use blogs

I admit that I have not used blogs for personal use. However, I can see a benefit of using a blog as an educational leader. One might use it to communicate with students on book reviews, homework, or a topic of choice. This is beneficial to students, because it will help create a more creative learning environment by being able to comment toward other students in a controlled setting. Teachers and administrators could use blogs to discuss issues at schools and to have discussions on teaching resources or practices.