How can an educational leader use blogs?

Blogs are a great tool for an educational leader to use to capture the "thinking" of people involved.  In action research, there may not be concrete "data" that one can use to assess the inquiry proposed.  Sometimes, simply acquiring people's thoughts and combining them into survey type results can be just as important.  A blog is an instant way for an educational leader to, not only get other people's ideas about what they have posted, but also as a journal of their own thoughts and progress through an inquiry. It can serve as a journal of ideas, thoughts, results, and opinions of anything the educational leader needs to address.

What exactly is action research?

Simply stated, administrative inquiry or action research refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry (Dana, 2009) This is a great tool to use for self reflection, assessing problems, and vision establishment.  The ability for anyone to take charge of their actions and the results is an attribute that is not left for the weary.  Through action research, an administrator can take a holistic approach to bettering the areas they are responsible for.  Dedication to the issue, thoughtful planning, and effectiveness assessment are necessary for the completion of any action research plan.  The main difference between this type of research and, what most people see as a "normal" research plan, is the implementation of the "ACTION" facet.  A problem or inquiry is addressed so that something can be done as a result of the information gathered.  An administrator or educational leader can use the action research plan to develop ideas, assess program effectiveness, build colleague cohesion, and create a sense of ownership amongst everyone involved with the school.  It can also be used as a tool to determine administrative effectiveness, financial needs, and an alternative to professional development.  The opportunities opened by using an action research project are endless, limited only by the ability of the inquirer and the time and strategy put in place to accomplish the project.  

References: 
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs. (2010). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis to Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.


Martin, G., Danzig, A., Wright, W., Flanary, R., and Brown, F. (2012). School Leader Internship Developing, Monitoring, and Evaluating Your Leadership Experience.  Larchmont, NY: Eye on Education, Inc.