Action research involves research completed by those who will be directly affected by its' outcomes. Action research or inquiry is not the ‘latest trend’ in education. Rather, it has been used as a method of investigation in classrooms and utilized as a professional development tool designed to improve teaching. This old trend has taken on a new direction and has been expanded now to include administrators. Action research empowers us as administrators to be proactive in effecting change on our campus.

The process of inquiry begins with a “problem” or “wondering” that specifically pertains to our own campus. Data concerning the issue may easily be collected and analyzed because it can be acquired on our own campus. Therefore, we have a vested interest in the outcome of the research as it will directly benefit our own school community.

Upon examining the first chapter of the Dana text, I was pleased to read some of the positive comments coming from actual administrators who have employed the use of action research on their own campuses. Many readily admitted that the daily grind and tasks of an administrator made it difficult to focus on completing the process of research. Nonetheless, all remained steadfast in the vision of exacting change and modeling learning leadership. Comparing action research to regular exercise was an excellent way to drive home the point that time can and must be made for completing this process. I still feel like I have much to ‘research’ on the topic of action research, but I am looking forward to the challenge.

Although I have read blogs before, I have never actually written or responded to the thoughts and writings of others. I can see the powerful impact maintaining a blog could have on a learning community. It is a rather informal yet useful tool for gaining insight into the outlook of others.