Week Two Reflections

This week we explored the passions that drive many educational leaders and naturally lead to topics for action research projects and inquiry studies.  I was particularly interested in the topic of staff development and the role of peer coaching in the growth and reinvigoration of master teachers.  We also looked at how data is driving the educational research being done today and how important it is for teachers and educational leaders to possess the skills to effectively employ the results to improving classroom teaching as well as showing growth in student performance.  Accountability is a key word in education today and for better or worse we are being judged on the results of high stakes testing. 

Instead of helping me to narrow down my focus this week's readings provided me with a whole host of additional topics I would like to research.  I do feel more comfortable in how to approach a topic and how to focus on its purpose and significance.  I still struggle with how to make sure my topic is not too unwieldy and can be actually be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time.  I am still very interested in researching the use of word walls to improve student vocabulary and reading comprehension on the end of course exam, but I'm not quite sure what data I want to specifically study to determine the effectiveness and success of the project.  I also have a tendency to get distracted with unrelated topics while reviewing the literature, a common problem I know.  My goal for next week will be to discuss my project with my site supervisor as well as with my content area team to get their input on how best to implement my vision.  I'm excited about narrowing down the scope of my action research project to make it feasible and applicable to student achievement in my classroom.

What I’ve learned about action research and how I would use it…

I’ve learned about the value of conducting and participating in action research projects for teachers and principals.  Not only are we better able to identify classroom and campus challenges, but we are there to gather and analyze the data and make the needed adjustments to find solutions.  Action research assists educators in assessing the needs of the shareholders, documenting the steps of inquiry, analyzing data and making informed decisions that can have a positive impact on the school.

Because of the nature of their job, a principal spends much of their time putting out fires. Participating in action research lets them take charge of something they can control.  Engaging in action research enables principals to once again become the instructional leader of the school.  Administrative inquiry also allows an administrator to work on problems or issues that are relevant to his or her students and teachers. 

I would definitely use action inquiry and have used it in the past because it is collaborative, practical and challenges the educational leader to get to know his or her campus and its students better as well as requiring the educational leader to practice self-reflection and to get to know themselves better as well.  It has value and can be measured.  There is growth from all the participants.  I realize that finding the time can be a challenge for educators, but I would make sure to allot the time and build it in to my schedule to ensure that I do not become an instructional manager as opposed to an instructional leader. 

Educational Leaders and Blogs

Educational Leaders can use blogs in many ways.  Personal reflection, a vehicle for communication, and means for acquiring quick and efficient feedback are a few of their uses.  They can be used in the classroom to promote student interaction on discussion topics, post assignments and as a source of additional resources for the students to check out to learn more.  They are a great way to keep students and parents updated on what is going on in the classroom or on campus and the information can be assessed anytime from anywhere. 

Collaboration is another important way for blogs to be used in education.  Teachers, principals, and campus leaders can share a variety of information and at their convenience share their thoughts, ideas and suggestions on the educational challenges faced in public education today.  They can also connect you to a larger audience and provide you with new perspectives and experiences from across the globe.

In addition, the use of blogs demonstrates a commitment by the educational leader to develop 21st century technology skills to help them keep up with the learning styles and interests of today's students.