Action Research Description/Ways to Use it in the Classroom

     From my prescribed reading I conclude that action research is research or inquiry that brings about change in the school setting.  Administrators and teachers strive to understand and improve their practices in their different settings. Action research begins with a problem.  Through inquiry the problem is systematically examined.  The examination process consists of data collection, asking questions, and researching more information.  Through the action research process, reflection must occur.  The action research process continues to revolve through this process until a solution is derived.  The action research process can be used for any and all problems that need a solution to be found through a systematic process from which administrators, teachers, and students benefit.  This process is interactive because all parties are not sitting and having information "fed" to them but rather working together to find a solution.  Action research can help achieve and enhance professional growth and lead to change.

     I want to use action research in the area of increasing reading fluency in all subjects because our students struggle in their reading classes due to their lack of reading skills and comprehension of the material they have read.  In addition, our students do not reach the standard that the state mandates as an acceptable passing rate.  We must find ways to aide our students to increase reading fluency,  comprehension, and to increase our state assessment scores.  We have an advisory class that is built into our day and I am proposing to have our students read during this time at least twice a week.  I am also proposing that the reading material consist of books, however, I am not opposed to magazines and newspapers.  Often, our students are only reading books and they need to be exposed to other types of reading materials.  My wish is to have them reading!  The other two days will consist of "word wall" activities that the teacher will have, that each subject  will review and discuss with the students.  Students will have planned interactive activities.  Fridays will be when teachers meet such as core times or grade level meetings.  In addition to the advisory time, I would like to"extend" my reading plan to having a reading club that would meet once a week or every two weeks after school in the library. The purpose of the reading club would be to read poems, articles, or have the students share what they are reading that they find fascinating.  By reading and introducing different genres I am hoping to see an increase in reading, vocabulary, and comprehension skills and an increase in all subjects that are tested for the state assessments. 

Educators and Blogs: An Analysis

      Teachers and technology have been together in the classroom engaging and enriching the minds of our students for quite some time.  Technology is constantly evolving and new ideas are being tried and tested.  One of these ideas is in the form of blogs. The "blog" allows the writer to convey his/her thoughts and other "bloggers" may respond in a rather quick fashion.  Educational leaders can use blogs in a variety of ways in the educational setting.  

     Educational leaders can use blogs to provide instructional tips to their teachers. The leaders are able to post their ideas and others from all areas of the world may respond and provide feedback. This allows the campus leader to gain insight and collaborate with other  "experts". Because of the collaboration more areas are opened up for discussion. If the educational leader is needing information about a specific program or plan, he can blog about his idea(s) and lively discussions can take place.  Consequently, blogging can be beneficial in the way of reflection blogging. Campus educators can reflect on their day to day routines.  Educational leaders may also have teachers form blogs on different topics in their classrooms for their students.  This can lead to lively chats among the students and can engage the most reluctant learner to write. Blogging can be used for any and all subjects.  Blogging has many benefits by creating discussions on ideas, by providing feedback from hundreds to thousands of educators in different parts of the world, and by  giving the leader the opportunity to reflect on their busy day.