What Every Leader in Education Should Be Doing

What is Action/Inquiry Research?

Inquiry research is the process in which a principal engages in systematic and intentional study of a topic involving administrative practice. The practitioner poses a question and devotes the time and energy in order to find new understandings. This process not only involves research such as reading relevant literature, but also a plan of action in which data is collected and analyzed. In addition, the process involves reflection, and the ultimate goal is to seek out change. Ultimately, an administrative inquiry is the vehicle for school improvement and success. The principal is able to feel ownership for his/her own development. This in turn, provides a great example for the teachers to do the same.

Advantages of Conducting Action Research

There are many benefits in conducting administrative inquiry. A powerful advantage in implementing action research is that the principal is able to control his or her own professional development because he/she becomes the head learner. Administrative inquiry is interactive, practical and designed around the needs of teachers and students. Without action research it is less likely that the principal will find the time to identify future problems or look for solutions to existing problems in the school. Also, because the principal is the only individual on campus with that position, this type of inquiry gives him/her the opportunity to venture out and have quality interaction with others in the school as well as other principals. When conducting action research, the principal focuses on a problem, plan of action, and solution; instead of pondering on several tasks and never fully completing them. Because the principal has a plan of action and is continuously reflecting, he/she is able to be proactive instead of simply reacting to existing problems. Consistent action inquiry provides the leader with the opportunity to model for his/her teachers and students, which benefits the school climate and organization. In conclusion, when administrators begin to practice action inquiry, best practices begin to flourish due to new findings in data. 

How Educational Leaders Can Use Blogs

Blogging is the journal of the 21^st Century. It is a powerful way for leaders in education to capture their own thinking and organize their research. Not only is it a great way to collect data, it is also a wonderful way to share it with others in the field. Principals are able to share their inquiry research with principals and educators who work all over the country. They are also able to learn from other principal’s research or reflections. Since bloggs are cumulative, one is able to go back and read in order to reflect on the past and any pondering questions one might have had. This means that learning is constant as well as the process of reflection. This turns into thinking with a motive and reason. The act of reflection is beneficial in four distinct ways. It provides the educational leader with clarification because it encourages one to think deep and big by creating questions that help mold our research. It provides us with empowerment due to the fact that we become advocates for our schools, hence challenging others. It is generative because blogging is tangible, and it’s a way to communicate with parents and coworkers. And finally, it provides the leader with a sense of accomplishment.