Action Research is a data driven process that a group or organization uses to actively evaluate for the continuous improvement of the area of concern. It could be summed up simply by saying try something, if it does not work try something else. The process of using a several people focused on the same concern but have different strengths can allow creative and innovation to occur because the end goal is the same. This process also gives the group data that can be shared with stakeholders to better communicate to the concern and the actions being taken to change the issue. I think that this process be beneficial to the education in many ways. It could be used on test scores, school/ district climate, attendance, curriculum, funding and school community relations. We currently use this process with a 9th grade academy. The students in academy have not been unsuccessful in a traditional educational setting is they were selected. The first year the students are split into classes by gender then by their extracurricular activities. The students have every class twice and each class is only 45mintues while the rest of the building is on a modified block schedule. There were a few issues with the plan and they has been changed for the second year.
Sounds like exciting stuff happening at the 9th grade academy. Action research can have a great impact on students. You mentioned the impact it can have on the school climate as well. When teachers feel like they are making a difference and empowered to change when things are not working the students win.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post. I am responding to your comments regarding, “The process of using a several people focused on the same concern but have different strengths can allow creative and innovation to occur because the end goal is the same.” Shared vision within the organization that allows for stakeholders to maximize their talents, while celebrating their uniqueness, provides opportunity for achieving great goals. Wagner and Cohen (2011) stated that brain mapping and research may direct us to improving educational systems, as educators create innovative learning environments. Interactive gaming and virtual reality show potential for increasing to the point of becoming common activities/entities. The direction that this will lead to involves educational settings with one-on-one mentors, who guide, rather than teach.
ReplyDeleteGuides that develop mentees to think for themselves, while reaching a common goal with fellow learners, empower them to grow within the learning community. The growth requires the opportunity to explore individual ideas in an organizational environment of support and trust. Consensus building does not require total agreement, nor that anyone sacrifice their own ideas for the sake of agreement with colleagues. Leaders who guide stakeholders to develop a shared vision that allows for diversity, must model and set expectations of respect for individual ideas, while remaining consistent and focused on the agreed upon goals.
Wagner, C. G., & Cohen, A. M. (2011, Nov/Dec). The search for global solutions: Moving from vision to action. The Futurist, 45(6), 51-56.