This week in EDLD 5301 we were introduced to Action Research. I have been a little weary of the "Research" class due to my lack of experience with research in general. The Dana text has been very helpful in alleviating some of my misunderstandings regarding research. As I read the Dana text I realized that Action Research is very much like the Scientific Method that I taught for years in the science classroom. The connection to a systematic approach put my mind at ease. I always seem to feel more comfortable with processes that have outlined steps. The steps as I see them are: Pose a question, research the question (gather information), analyze information (data), develop a plan of action for change (form a conclusion), implement the change.
Another subject that we were required to become familiar with this week was the need for professional reflection. I read pages 104-107 in the School Leader Intership text and really liked the correlation the authors make between reflection and becoming an expert in a given field. The authors point out that experts not only must contain specific knowledge in a given area, they must also be able to use reflection to guide them in their actions. The Dana text explains that good reflective practice allows leaders to be deliberate and proactive as they carry out their day to day duties. The Dana text also compares alloting weekly time for reflection to that of exercise. You may not always feel you have enough time to do either, but you must make time on a weekly basis.