This course has redefined for me the meaning of research. Our course textbook, Leading with passion and knowledge: The Principal as Action Research by Nancy Fichtman Dana has provided me with insight into the type of research necessary for real change within the schools. Administrative inquiry, or action research, is a process which requires the leader to step out of his/her traditonal rose as observer and transforms him/her into a questioner or catalyst for change. Administrative inquiry as defined by the Dana (2009) text is:
The process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of him/her own administrative practice and taking action for change abased on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry. Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or "wonderings," collecting data to gain insights into their wonderings, analyzing the data lalong with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry and sharing findings with others. (p.2-3)
Unlike other methods of research, the researcher is a person who is an insider of the organization. It allows principals to identify and address their own problems and to become the "head learners" of their schools.
I would be able to use action research at my school by addressing problems we have and identifying solutions for them. I can analyze authentic data surrounding the problem and judge the results of any interventions I choose to alleviate the problem. I would also use action research to plan professional development for the staff based on some of the problems they actually encounter in the school. Rather than relying on the data and solutions from an outside researcher, my staff could come up with workable solutions to their own problems and put them into implementation on the campus.
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