Simply, administrative inquiry is a process of investigation that school officials use to analyze and reflect on the current practices occurring at their campuses. Information gathered in this research is used to gain a better understanding into school improvement efforts and provide an opportunity for more effective practices/programs district-wide. Moving forward with practitioner inquiry can most easily be accomplished when reflections are made at each step of the action plan. The process “involves (1) clarifying and diagnosing practical situations that need improvement, (2) formulating action strategies for improving the situation or resolving the problem, (3) implementing action strategies, and (4) clarifying the situation” (Dana, 2009) to address more areas for improvement.
The key component to successful inquiry is reflection on the task, this ensures that those specific problems outlined in the research are being addressed and new problems are being handled systematically. Reflection is an important leadership skill because it allows the practitioner time to really see if the improvement process is working on the campus. It also allows time for modifications to the plan and gives time for those pieces to be implemented accordingly. Reflection can also be an empowering tool for teachers. If teachers have a say in what needs to be changed and those opinions are valued, then they are more likely to become part of the whole process. Practitioner inquiry engages teachers to be active in the research that is being conducted, it allows them to collaborate for a more tailored solution to the campuses issues, and gives them an opportunity to reflect on the improvement areas for continued growth. One of the primary benefits for implementing action research is the improvement it has on teaching while focusing on student achievement.
Making student achievement known to the school community can be done through the use of blogs and other media outlets. Using blogs can help an administrator focus on developing their thoughts and help them move into actions through journaling reflections. Blogs also store information that can be retrieved for future use and can provide news about topics related to the research the campus is currently engaged in. Moving from the mindset of “lone-inquire,” a principal can use their blog to link to other blogs that might provide insight into how other schools function.
Bibliography
Dana, N. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
You make the statement that the primary benefit of action research is affect it has on both teaching and student improvement. Don't you feel it is because it address what the inquirer sees as an immediatly useful tool? If this is true would it not be a great opportunity for continuous professional development on action research? Teachers and administrators could also share their efforts through blogs increasing the efforts, depth of knowledge and resources for all stakeholders.
ReplyDelete