As I reflect back on this course, I am
reminded of a few significant moments of clarity that I believe will prove
applicable in my career. Each one
has taught me something new that I hope will serve me as I continue my journey
to becoming an education leader.
When I began this course, I was unfamiliar
with the practice of action research.
Through the readings, web conferences, and videos, I have learned in
depth what it means to conduct an action research study and its practical
application to a campus. One word
used multiple times in Leading with Passion and Knowledge to describe
action research is “intentional.” This
word, more than others, helps define action research – there has to be an end
in mind and a goal that the researcher is working towards. The principal researcher must have in
mind their school community when developing a detailed plan as well as what
they want to achieve through the research and findings.
The use of a blog has been revolutionary to me
through this course. I have been a
personal blogger for years, documenting the events of our family. Until this class, I had never thought
of using a blog to communicate with other educational leaders and to follow
their wonderings and learnings through the use of a blog. I am excited about the next few months
as I follow my classmates as they learn through their action research plan and
to share my findings and to get comments through my blog. My goal is to establish myself as a
thought leader in the education field, specifically targeted around the
findings from my action research plan.
The idea of creating a hypothesis for my research
plan, which will span the next 18 months, was an activity that really caused me
dig deep. I wanted to create a
plan that I knew would be feasible, as well as productive and very beneficial
to my students and aligned with my campus’ goals. I enjoyed the process of brainstorming with a few ideas and
meeting with my site supervisor to review and discuss these plans. I have so
much to learn from my administration and I just soak up their knowledge when we
sit down and talk. Through our regular
communication, I have gained knowledge in how to better select a research
project as well as how to use our campus data to create a wondering and to use
the data to help me better understand our students.
In the Week 5 video, Dr. Jenkins said we are
to be “servant leaders” with the school’s best interest in mind at all
times. I was taken back by this
statement. At times we (teachers,
staff members, and even administrators) need the reminder that we are to be
school-minded and that every decision we make should benefit the school as a
whole and the students at the school.
We at times are tempted to make the choice that is easiest or most
comfortable, and I believe It is a good reminder that we are to serve our
schools and have them at the fore front of all our decisions.
Action research is crucial form of researching. One that incorporates four main
steps: posing a question,
analyzing data, making changes based on the data, and sharing findings with
others. These steps give the researcher
the accountability to “systematically and intentionally study one’s profession.”
(Dana, 2009)
As I continue through my journey of becoming
an administrator, I know that the process of action research will help me to be
better equipped to lead a school.
The process of studying data and making changes is one that I will be
able to use in all areas as I continue to work through my graduate courses.
