From
the moment that I ordered my books for this course, I had no idea
what the details of this research course would be. I was familiar
with research, as a college student you have to be. But, I had no
idea how important the action research is to any organization.
Research is not just searching for sources to support your point. It
is about looking and creating data from all different perspectives.
It must first start with inquiry. Administrator inquiry refers to
the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study
of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change
based on what he/she learns as an effect of the inquiry. (Dana,
2009)This becomes so important as a future administrator. Because the
challenge for continual improvement, formal improvement processes
capture the attention of many educators at all levels-public and
private schools, colleges, and universities. (Harris, Edmonson &
Combs, 2010) One of the main reasons that action inquiry is so
effective is because it uses groups of people to reach the goal. This
collaboration is present from start to finish. The strength of this
team is that you can share needed experience. This also is so
important in accountability. As I examined this part of action
research, I realized that I do this type of thing all the time while
serving on teams and committees. I have also been really impressed
by my fellow classmates. They are always pushing me to produce better
work. Their comments and suggestions have been crucial in developing
ideas for my own action research inquiry. It is really humbling to
think about the number of quality future leaders that I get to work
with in this course. Their research topics have really impressed me.
Some of the issues that they are addressing have really forced me to
examine needs on my campus and look for ways to improve them. Some of
the needs were never apparent to me until this course. The
assignments of the course were also very challenging, but helped me
systematically put together a plan. I always loved to hear the
insights of my professors when they would talk about the assignments.
The next aspect of the course that has really been good has been the
push of the university to keep us abreast to the importance of
technology and social media. From day one, we have always been asked
to examine ways that technology can be used in the classroom. The
starting of a blog was a key component of the course. It really
allowed me to focus my efforts at the end of each week and summarize
what I had learned. The blog really allowed me to see the importance
of online communication, especially when collaboration and inquiry
are concerned. The comments from classmates following my blog were
crucial in revision of my inquiry. Overall, this course has taken me
to another level of knowledge. I never knew anything about action
research inquiry, and certainly never thought I would spearhead a
project of my own. Today, because of this course, I am leading change
on my campus. I can't wait to see where this knew knowledge and
leadership will take me.
Dana, N.
F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge, the principal as
action researcher. Corwin Press.
Harris,
S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to
improve our schools, 8 steps from analysis to action.
