Action research is the process of identifying a area of concern or opportunity for growth for either students or teachers, reviewing the literature related to this topic, collecting and analyzing data on the identified area, and formulating a soluction or action plan to implement based on the knowledge gained through the experience. Action research can be conducted by individuals interested in improving a personal area of growth, but tends to be more beneficial when conducted in collaboration with others interested in reaching the same goal.
Action research is an important part of educational leadership. It is through this process that both prinicpals and teachers are able to identify areas of concern and collaborate, research, and analyze ways to improve those areas. I think that if you were to interview any principal, they would say that they were committed to improving student learning and success in the classroom. However, many prinicpals spend the majority of their day, and ultimately their school year, dealing with requirements and requests from upper administration, completing paperwork, and putting out the fires that arise daily on any campus. While these campuses continue to function, I don't believe there is any true sense of purpose or collaboration among staff members. The truly great campuses are the ones led by a principal committed to action research and committed to collaborating with the staff in this process.
No comments:
Post a Comment