Reflection on Interviews for Action Research

Dr. Johnny Briseno was very cognizant of the value in analyzing data. In the video interview his reflections showed that many of his decisions used data for original analysis. He mentions the use of qualitative data when quantitative data does not provide a clear story. In picking up on his narrative of teacher collaboration to find solutions for student success there was an action research that could be identified. The action research could be worded like “How can the principal facilitate the process of teacher collaboration in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to address the needs of the students that are considered at-risk?” In proposing an action research with these parameters the analysis of quantitative data would be analyzed to provide insight into the problem of the student with data that includes grades, discipline, and attendance information. When this type of information does not suffice to assist the student then qualitative data must be researched to find the causes such as problems that originate at the home. Some of the situations could be an unsafe environment or insufficient parental involvement.

Dr. Briseno did speak about the value of data and in keeping the data confidential when it pertains to students. The solution to have teachers collaborate with near grade level composition was a good solution to keep the information following and possible resolutions within the grasp of the staff. His suggestion was to continue to use resources at our disposal like the Internet to find solutions to some of our problems, like he said “there is no need to reinvent the wheel.”

Dr. Timothy Chargois is the Director of Research for Planning and Development at Beaumont I.S.D. The research that is done at the district or campus level goes through his office. Dr. Chargois talks about using software to make predictions that impact instruction. He comments on one action research that has gone through his office as “What are teachers doing that show their ethical responsibilities towards students and towards student achievement?” The study could focus on the focus on what the teacher is doing to assure student preparation and success. Questions could be asked of the teachers’ attendance and timeliness in the classroom, proactively being informed of their student matters, conducting class with a caring attitude, updating instructional practices, and collaborating and cooperating with colleagues to ensure student success. Dr. Chargois make a comment on the need for teachers to keep abreast of methodologies in pedagogy and curriculum by saying “You never stop growing, if you are green you are growing, and if you are brown you are dying.”

Dr. Chargois pinpoints that teachers need to think outside the box by doing action research. The teachers can do localized research in their classroom qualitative and quantitative data to understand student problems. A recommendation to the use of Internet based survey tools to retrieve data for analysis is stated.

In reflecting on the video interview, I gained a good understanding of the value of using quantitative and qualitative data to address both teachers and students in an action research. I understand that the confidentiality of data, especially when it pertains student information. The speakers talked about the utilization of resources on the Internet such as research based scenarios and Survey Monkey to provide quantitative data results to improve instruction and the end result of student achievement.

Action Research Reflection

Action research is a very positive and powerful tool in many areas especially school improvement. I have learned that action research/administrator inquiry is an intentional and methodical way of an administrator self-reflecting and being a change agent for school improvement based on the information that is gathered from the inquiry process. Action research is different than the traditional educational research models in that the agents of change and information is done from within rather than from the outside as is consistent with the traditional method. In engaging in action research the administrative team in charge will shift gears from being reactive to more of a proactive approach to dealing with issues that arise in the school. This will empower them and give them a sense of ownership in the knowledge their generated towards the possibility for school improvement. Administrators must make time and be involved in inquiry. This is in their best interest for professional growth and will be build capacity for them and their school.

Action research has many benefits. Some of the benefits are obvious like collaboration with peers and reflection of best practices. Other benefits are actually taking to the time to be involved in the inquiry process that will affect the school for improvement.

I learned that the reflection component of action research is always active to continue sustained school improvement. The steps in action research include initial inquiry, planning, and action then lead to evaluation which in itself is reflection and continued fine tuning of situation.

In conclusion I will mention that the values of action research will not come on deaf ears. There are areas that action research is ripe for in our school district. Consider the relationship with technology integration and improved student scores, parental involvement and increased student performance, and facilities design and improved student scores.

References:

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

Analysis of how educational leaders might use blogs

Educational leaders could use blogs to journal their thoughts about different issues that occur in the school. This will allow the leader collect all their processes in a single location which is accessible anytime and anywhere. The leader can post just text or add pictures to bring more life to the blog. Inherent in blogging is the ability to have people comment and provide insight to the leader’s blogging and in some cases could be considered collegial communications. This could also be a diary of sorts and the leader could go the blog and look through and reflect on the series of entries.

References:

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