The three areas I am looking at doing action research about

The three topics that I have chosen as possible action research are as follows:

How are teachers utilizing technology in the classroom and how could they make better use of the resources the district has to offer? Are teachers using the technology training they are receiving to use these devices in their everyday instruction? How can technology be used to get students more actively involved in their education and not just in their social lives?

Does the involvement in the New Teacher Academy and the mentor program at Richardson High help in the retention and success rate of our new teachers? How can my building administrators get more involved in the NTA?

What is the enrollment rate of my former Teaching Internship students to college education programs? What percentage of these students pursues education as their career?

What I have learned from two weeks of action research . . .

After looking at action research I see it as the most constructive way to reflect upon and conquer problems I encounter in my everyday teaching of my students or new teachers and even in the various leadership roles I have in my building.

Action research gives educators the opportunity to reflect back on their working and findings in a structured way and really helps them see the result of their work.

How can educators best utilize blogs?

Educators can use blogs to post research they have found, share an idea they have used in their classroom and even ask others for help with a situation they are struggling with. Blogs are easy to create and even easier to respond to. When posting on a blog it is able to be read by everyone and you are able to get instance feedback you might have been able to get from your colleagues or small network. I look forward to using this blog to receive information and ideas from others as well as being able to share my point of view.

What I have learned about action research in education

Action research is conducted by an administrator or educator to help them reflect on a current situation in their school. First they study their problem and concerns, next they create a solution and plan to address this problem, and they then put the plan into action and review the data and learn from the results. Action research for education is clear. It is what is done every day in every school. It is educating children the best we know how and then reflect on what we have accomplished and learning how to do it better. Action research is a great tool for an administrator to use in their building to see what areas need to be addressed and how they can train their staff to accomplish the goals that he or she has set for the staff and students. Action research gives not just the individual that is working on this problem insight and ideas; it also allows them to work collaboratively to share ideas of what has worked in the past, what is currently happening and where the outcome might lead. Action research is also a great tool because past data and strategies can be used, but the present and watching students learn and grow through the process is a wonderful benefit. It is an ongoing action plan; not just stopping with the one problem that was identified in the beginning but reflecting on other areas of concerns and spiraling from there to tackle those issues as well. Through action research the process is three dimensional involving all stakeholders, administrators, teachers, students and the data behind it to solve a problem and enhance the achievement of the students. The traditional educational research model is one dimensional and does not give back to the reader by involving them as well. Action research is the best tool that educators can use to enhance their students’ learning and achievements; as well as a tool to help them be lifelong learners.