Previous to the start of this course I hadn't heard of Action Research, and I must admit it sounded a little daunting.
After beginning to Nancy Fitchman Dana's "Leading with Passion & Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher," I have a totally different outlook. I enjoyed her use of the term "inquiry" as opposed to action research most of the time as it doesn't make me think of hours poring over books in the library, one of the visuals I had in my head and she used in her text as explanation of her word choice.
Now I find myself excited about the thought of using more 'inquiry' and reflection in my work as I like to make the most informed decisions possible, and this type of work does just that. I have always wanted to understand reasoning behind different frameworks implemented by my administration and what prompted them to choose a particular one, sometimes to change it again the next year.
I now understand the importance of reflection and looking at data to revisit whether a previous choice was impactful or beneficial. If not there is no use feeling like you’ve made a mistake, but to move forward with a new plan of action based on your research data and again, try to come to the best choice possible for the situation with the information you have gained.
I will definitely use this type of inquiry in my classroom to determine whether choices I made last year were the best ones for the situation or particular content topic, and make adjustments for the coming year. I no longer feel trapped in a decision and feel the need to follow it out to the end. If I gather information and data that clearly show changes need to be made before the culmination of a project, instead of feeling guilty or like I was ineffective, I will now look at the situation as a research experience that I can adjust and continue to gather data on to be the most effective as a teacher I can be.
I can only see putting this type of action research into practice now in the classroom benefiting me as I move into an administrative role and am comfortable with the practice.
Crystal, I relate to your comment about feeling "ineffective" when a project is not going as planned. More often I feel stressed by making a change midway, but see the wisdom in such an action. I've already noted changes in implementation of curriculum for next year based on reflecting on what I've learned this first week about action research.
ReplyDeleteI too had not heard of the term Action Research before this class. I enjoyed reading your comment and learning what you got out of reading about Action Research/Inquiry. I am encouraged that Inquiry is an ongoing process that we evaluate and continue or move on...
ReplyDeleteI was also a little "daunted" when I first thought of "action research". After reading, I prefer the term "practitioner inquiry". I think that sums it up a little more clearly, at least for me. My science background makes it a little hard to see "research" in this sort of informal setting, but "inquiry" makes perfect sense. Even just referring to it that way calms me down a bit.
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