Action Research

I have learned that action research is a main component of being an effective leader whether you are a veteran principal, newly initiated into the role, or aspiring to become a future administrator. Everyone can participate in action research no matter what the role or experience. Action research will allow me to be an innovator in finding effective solutions to challenges in learning to meet the needs of the students whether in the classroom or as an administrator. A must in action research is constant engagement and reflection and making the time for reflection. Without reflection, progression and innovation become stagnant or obsolete in education. We need to constantly have a mindset of curiosity on how to become more effective in teaching and leadership in order to foster continual growth in education. My readings have also helped me to understand the phases of the action research process and how to apply each phase in my project as well as the constant swinging of the pendulum of action and reflection. Even after finishing post-graduate studies, this is a behavior that should be ongoing both professionally and personally. This attitude can only make you better. I will be able to use action research not only in my project but also to target improvements needed at our campus through one of our professional learning communities (PLCs). In addition, a colleague and I have already set up a blog to be utilized among grade levels across campuses in order to exchange ideas for activities pertaining to curriculum and state objectives. There are so many ways that action research can be implemented. No matter what method is utilized, if done correctly, it can only foster a brighter future in education for students and administrators.