I've really enjoyed this week's reading and videos. They've given me great insight to possible research topics as well as reinforced how important it is to keep growing and evolving in education. I especially enjoyed reading the actual accounts from the principals about their research projects in the book under each of the nine topics. Right now I am reading the online version but I can't wait to get my copy because I want to highlight several of their ideas as well as the websites listed as resources. I can see the benefit of action research, especially after reading their accounts and seeing how it impacted and improved their campus. That was exciting to me. I think it just takes time and effort and sometimes we want a quick fix. The readings have shown that it is possible to make very positive changes when their is a problem. But everyone involved needs to work collaboratively and be on board with the idea. It's also a great idea to use research ideas and resources from other districts like the principal in the video mentioned. Overall I'm learning a lot right now about how to never stop learning and trying to improve as an educator.

The main thing I have learned about action research is that it is not what one thinks of when you think of "traditional research." When I first read the title for the course I was nervous that it would mean that I would be reading tons of research books and citing references and quotes without really doing hands on work. From the readings this week, I learned what action research actually involves. I was eager to choose a topic that interests me on my campus and I'm even more eager to put my plan into action. I like the idea of action research because when you really get down to it- it's professional growth. I can't think if many educators who are against professional growth. It's the word research that scares us. However, after the readings I realized that action research isn't too different from what most of us already do on various committees throughout our campuses. The main difference is that the educator/administrator is looking inwardly to find an area for improvement and the reflection piece is also somewhat new. I think most of us would like to say that we reflect, and we do in our own way, but not in the way that action research suggests. I think the reflection piece was the most important to me becuase so often I find an issue, quickly come up with solutions, implement them and then hope they worked without ever truly pausing to reflect before, during, and after the plan was put into place. I like how the author suggested finding a specific time and place each week for reflection so that it does not build up. I can definitely say this is something I have not done before, but I can certainly see the value in it. I will definitely try to use action research as a teacher as well as when I become an adminsitrator. For both professions it is useful. There will always be areas in which I need growth and action research will give me the tools to identify these areas and improve.

Educational leaders could use blogs in a variety of ways. One would be with a book study. During the course of the book study members could respond weekly to a blog posted by the principal as well as post their own blogs. Administrators could also use a blog for the school where parents can connect to each other and the administrator in a professional manner.