Reflection on Real Life Research Action Examples

This week's assignment was to view videos of leaders and the action plans they researched. As I listened to the principals and superintendents discuss their ideas, it was apparent reading research literature was an important task to be included. Continuous reading of research literature and learning how to translate the applicable information to the present action plan is logical way to search for improvement techniques. In the words of William Faulkner, “Read, read, read. Read everything -- trash, classics, good and bad, and see how they do it. Just like a carpenter who works as an apprentice and studies the master. Read! You'll absorb it.”
Speaking of reading-reading literature on the nine areas driving action research was also part of this week’s mission. As I reflected, I became focused on the word, “Wondering.” I wondered if this word may be used interchangeably with reflection, the focus of last week’s assignment. As an administrator goes through the wondering steps, there should be no judgment, no answer, and it should be open-ended. I actually practiced the wondering points with my class this week. We listened to each others' article summary and made I wonder…statements without any answers given. This activity really got the students to open their minds to new ideas of investigation.
The other point I felt interesting was that leaders should never try to control or force change in others', but model his/her behavior which in turn may influence teachers to change their own behavior. The focus should be on the adult and student learning in order for improvements to occur. Administrators should keep searching for ways to help students be successful.