Week 2 Blog Reflection for Action Research Course

EDLD 5301 Research

During week 2, I believe a primary focus at the base of choosing any action research inquiry is how it will ultimately benefit student achievement or growth. As a school, the education of our students is our primary task. Yes, there are a multitude of other factors that play a part in the education of a child, and just as many other tasks and intangibles a teacher does for a child, but the bottom line always comes back to educating our students for their future world. Each of the nine wonderings the Dana text presented all ultimately relate to student achievement. Teacher support, for example, is there to help teachers become better teachers. Social climate of the school is there to support the “feeling” evoked in a school to keep up the moral of students and staff, thereby benefitting student achievement.
Data is also a key component in determining action research inquiries designed specifically for a targeted group of students to increase student achievement. New projects or programs are examined through action research to determine if the benefits outweigh any negatives or concerns. Action research can help an educator get “more bang for the buck,” and benefit each child to his or her fullest potential.

Jesse's Action Research Inquiry: Journey to Wellness

EDLD 5301 Research


I am beginning to develop a new program with my district supervisors to incorporate for the first stage at my high school. I am going to begin a wellness program aimed at the staff for my 9-12 high school. Action research seems like a vital and useful tool to incorporate as I begin this new venture. The book Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher by Nancy Fichtman Dana seems an excellent source, along with the current class I am taking regarding action research. The readings will help me to develop a "systematic, intentional study of [my] own administrative practice" (Dana, pg.2) utilizing "the concept of reflection as an essential skill" (Dana, pg. 7) or tool in the development of this new and innovative program.

Action research is also referred to as practitioner inquiry. I like the use of the latter terminology better, as I believe it more accurately depicts the intent and purpose of action research, which is to be based on a wondering or question for that particular program or need. Action research is essentially a spiraling system to systematically and intentionally study ones own administrative practices as they are relevant to the needs of the school and/or program and then utilizing the formal and informal data, relevant information, and traditional research to create a plan of action based on what is learned. Reflection time is a key component, allowing the practitioner to take time to really determine the needs and prioirities of the school or program.

I think this will be particularly critical in the development of a new program. Not only do I need to determine the components of an effective wellness program, but I need to have staff buy-in. A wellness program is only effective if the staff is fully participating to enjoy its benefits. Taking time to talk with staff, administrators and doing the research is important. But if I do not then make the time to refect on those findings, it will be easy for the program to become “just another project or something to be done,” instead of the great benefit I can envision for our staff.

Currently, I am thinking my inquiry will be something like: how will technology sustain and enhance a staff wellness program at the high school level? I will continue to reflect and blog on how to effectively incorporate technology into a program that traditionally is based on face-to-face contact.