EDLD 5301 Week 2-Blog assignment

Leslie's Action Research Site
http://lesliejblogspotcom/
lesliemexia@yahoo.com
903-388-3761
chris.borland@lavegaisd.org

EDLD 5301 Week 2

I really enjoyed listening to the three educational leaders on our videos give examples of action research items they had undertaken. Many of their ideas and practices reaffirmed my experiences and beliefs. I particularly agreed with Dr. Lewis's belief that research needs to practical to your environment in order to be effective.

Action Research Description-Week 1 Assignment

Action research is a thoughtful, intentional, problem solving component of educational research which produces professional learning and academic improvement. J. Elliot (1988) simply depicts action research as an ongoing spiral of reflection and action. The first step is to define the problem. One cannot overcome the problem if they can't identify the problem. Through the use of reflection, adequate time is given to thinking about the problem, situation, personnel and outcomes. They also reconsider their actions after the fact." Reflection time also allows for a response instead of a reaction. The next step is to determine a strategy to solve the problem. There needs to be a plan in place to remedy the problem. Then implementation and evaluation of the strategy occurs. A distinct sequence of steps in the implementation is important. Ongoing evaluation throughout the implementation process is vital to the success of the initiative. As the authors of School Leader Internship (2009) state, "Experts take action and make adjustments as they go. They also reconsider their actions after the fact."  Evaluation provides opportunities to make the necessary adjustments to insure success. Finally clarification of the situation either resolves the problem or launches this process into a new level of challenges. The action research process equips educational leaders with a cognitive framework in which they may more effectively lead their schools to higher levels of achievement.
I will be able to use the action research process in my current position. My job is to implement the 3 Tier Model of reading instruction on an intermediate campus that serves grades 4-6. Action research will provide me with a road map of how to accomplish this.



Educational leaders can utilize blogs by sharing their ideas and experiences with colleagues they would not have the opportunities to communicate with. This can prove very helpful to leaders in remote areas where physical distance would limit their contact.