Action Research: What I've Learned So Far...

Based on the assigned readings, administrative inquiry is the engaging action of a principal, in an intentional and systematic study process. "Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or "wonderings," collecting data to gain insights into their wonderings, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others," (Dana, 2009). He/she breaks down his/her administrative practice, taking a detailed look at all of it’s aspects, and deciding what action to take regarding the findings. In an attempt to be a learning leaders, these inquring professionals answer questions about their practice by collecting and analyzing content specific data, reading articles, and adapting their practice to the new ideals they have come to understand. This is considered a powerful and personal transformation that benefits the leader and improves the school. It is an opportunity for leaders to learn and understand why they behave the way they do, and then bring about positive change that allows them to behave in ways that are more effective. Honestly, this is a process that should occur quite frequently in the life of a leader. For a principal, it is imperative that administrator action research is revisited and applied to his/her practice. This too involves effective qualities like continuous, relevant, job-embedded, planned, focused, and reflective elements.

I will be able to implement the many benefits of action research into my professional endeavors, is it does more than just provide principals with an opportunity to grow professionally. In addition to this key advantage, there exist many other benefits regarding action research. Principals who conduct administrator inquiry are directly responsible, and are forced to take the initiative for decision making. They determine the issues and problems to be researched, and they develop and implement the inquiry. Leaders gain a greater understanding of their own practice, and are able to make informed decisions, ask more specific questions, and systematically find the answers.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.