A week ago I had never heard of action research. I saw the title of the course and my mind instantly went to my experiences with traditional research. Needless to say, I wasn't exactly excited. However, the more I learn about this idea, the more intrigued I get. The most appealing aspect of action research is the fact that it is truly relevant to me and my work. Traditional research consists of outside researchers and experts gathering information. Maybe their findings will apply to me and maybe they won't. With action research, I am able to review the literature that is already available and then apply it to my own practices and then reflect on the results that I am seeing. I am excited about the prospect of applying my learning to my real world. I will admit that I frequently file research and studies that my principal provides to me without ever looking at them. I treat these stacks of paper like tax returns. I file them until I don't think anyone will ask to see them and then I trash them. Action research is different in that it is chosen by me, designed by me, implemented by me, and evaluated by me. This degree of ownership increases the likelihood that it will be effective to me professionally.
The blog examples provided in the Dana text illustrate the value of this forum for educational leaders. Principals and administrators from around the country are able to collaborate in a way that would otherwise be impossible. I also like the idea of having a place to keep and organize my ideas before I lose them. My class just completed a literature study on Bud, Not Buddy. In the story Bud compares ideas to seeds. Just a little puff of wind and they can be gone. I want to think of this blog as a place to keep my seeds until I am ready to plant them or they are ready to be planted.
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