How Educational Leaders Can Use Blogs

Educational leaders can use blogs in a variety of ways from communicating ideas to staff and/or parents to keeping records of thought processes.  Considering that many educational leaders perform action research on a consistent basis a blog may be incredibly helpful in tracking thought processes.  It is helpful to keep track of thoughts that may seem random at the time but can later make a connection that is valuable to the research.

What is Action Research?

Action research is a way for educators to research an issue in their school and provide answers and ideas for improving the situation.  First, they must have a “wondering”.  This “wondering” will create the jumping off point to action research.  Once they have decided on a topic based on the “wondering”, they will gather data to analyze and guide their action.  They will also gather informational texts to gain others’ perspectives on the topic.  After analyzing and gathering additional information on the topic, the educator will then be able to form a plan of action to correct or improve the situation at hand.

The really great thing about action research is just what its name implies.  ACTION!  You do the research to perform an action.  The research guides your action and allows you to base decision making on data and information gathered by others.  You have the opportunity to create a plan of action that will truly make a difference in your school situation.  Traditional research is unable to provide the opportunity to implement what is learned into a school situation.  Due to the fact that administrators and teachers are in charge of action research allows them to take the new knowledge and act on it.  Action research is a powerful way to bring about change in a school setting.

I will be able to use action research in several ways.  Currently, I can use action research in my classroom to guide many different decisions.  At this time, I would like to examine the RTI process.  Our current policy and procedure may or may not be benefitting students.  I would like to determine what changes, if any, should be made.