As a teacher, I have learned that action research is a valuable and beneficial tool that I can use as I learn and grow to become a better leader and educator. I love that the research is based on your own “wonderings” (Dana, 2009, p. 3) for a specific need or problem at your school; therefore making it more applicable and authentic verses a traditional outside researcher. Action research sounds like a long and drawn out process, but because it is essentially your “baby”, it will not be a chore, but something you care significantly for, and immediately take the steps to put into action so it becomes a part of your everyday routine. You will feel a since of ownership in pride by what you are researching, developing, and accomplishing in order to make your students, teachers, and schools more successful.
Action research is a great way to collaborate with our peers in order to achieve a goal. I am looking forward to working with my colleagues on an action research project that involves technology in our school, how it is or isn’t being used, and what needs to change in order for teachers to implement technology in their everyday curriculum. The school I am doing my internship at, has a set of iTouches for every grade level! These can be a wonderful digital tool for the classroom; however teachers are not using these resources. I can see how an action research would give me the information I need to help teachers learn to incorporate these amazing digital tools into their classrooms. Every campus has a technology plan, and we have to find ways to move forward into the 21st century classroom. I am also looking forward to talking to my principal and finding out if she is doing any administrative inquiry at the time being. I would love to be involved and assist in any way necessary, to help her and the school achieve their goals while learning from the experiences and her expertise.
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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Hi Angela,
ReplyDeleteI, too, am interested in seeing more technology introduced into the on-line classes at the college where I am interning. I am curious as to what is iTouch. Sounds interesting!