Final Thoughts

This class has definitely changed the way I do things. I have always been frustrated with people who complain about things yet never try to come up with solutions. This course has provided me with a new way of thinking and a methodology to go about being a problem solver. As I look around it is obvious to me that great leaders must be great problem solvers. I now understand the importance of being able to problem solve and how to do it. When action research is conducted properly, the results can be greatly beneficial. Based upon my readings from Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher by Nancy Fichtman and Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action by Sandra Harris, I learned that administrative inquiry is the researching, discussing with colleagues, observing, trusting your prior knowledge, before you decide on the actions to be taken to solve a problem.

I benefited greatly throughout the course by learning to look around on our campus and identify potential possibilities for inquiry. I was able to spend good time with my site supervisor picking his brain and gaining great insight into the process of action research. I also benefited greatly from the interviews of both Jonny Briseno and Timothy Chargois in week 2 where they offered action research ideas and suggestions for conducting action research. Their insight brought a real clarity to the process of action research and its real world implications.

Due to the nature of this class it forced me to seek out advice and input from colleagues in addition to online sources. I was able to find a lot of great information by browsing the web and reading various publications. Perhaps one of the greatest tools this class offered me was the discussion forum in which I was able to collect great thoughts and advice about mine and my classmates’ action research projects. The collaboration from my classmates was paramount in my experience. I feel that this class has spurred me on to becoming a junkie about action research. I now look at the troubles and problems all around me in a new light. As opposed to being a complainer I am now equipped to do something about the problems that surround me in and out of school.

References:

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin and American Association of School Administrators

Revised Action Research Plan

This revised plan places more accountability on the part of the teacher now. Teachers will be required to post updated grades visibly in their classroom no later than Wednesday of each week. Assistant principals will look for posted grades as they conduct regular walkthroughs now. The idea is that students don't keep up with their grades and this should help them to do so. Please give me feedback to what you think!