In today's educational climate the stakes are higher. Gone are the days where principals can sit back and just manage the campus and teachers can teach using materials and units that are fun and just cover the topics at each grade level. Today instructional leaders and teachers must use the data from tests and make the best choices for the students in all sub-populations so that the students master grade level TEKS and pass the TAKS test so that the school doesn't land itself in AYP.
Action Research can help administrators and teachers to solve problems or issues that need solving. It involves the action researcher in the issue to find solutions that work for them. Therefore, I see action research as just a way of doing business in today's educational climate. I see myself using action research in my current assignment to solve issues related to gifted education that not only take into account the best practices as identified by university researchers but by a collaboration between myself and others with similar demographics and concerns. It involves trial and error and continually striving to improve. This can be used by teachers in their professional learning communities and by administrators who are trying to improve the school climate, the community involvement or any number of issues that come up.
As a future administrator I could use action research to improve the school culture, instructional strategies that meet the needs of all sub-populations, and improve disciple and safety on the campus.
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Lynda, Great post! It was easy to read and very true. I will use action research as well to improve my school's culture, instructional strategies, and improving discipline. I believe that research these days does require ACTION. We may have to start it, then hopefully the wave will continue on.
ReplyDeleteLynda, I agree with how you feel about action research. It is a way to improve discipline and safety on a campus. I like how action research can be used to individual instruction for students and teachers. Do you think this type of professional development will ever take off in Wharton? I hope so.
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