Using Blogs in Education

Blogs are a wonderful reflection tool. Since action research involves so much reflection, administrators can use blogs to keep track of their inquiries and results. Educators can use blogs as visual data repositories while collecting and analyzing information.

How Can I Use Action Research?

I think action research is all about reflection and change-two things that educators should constantly embrace. Action research involves asking questions, gathering data, adjusting practices based on the findings of the inquiry, and sharing results. Action research is cyclical; it never ends. Once you satisfy the requirements of one inquiry, reflecting on those changes will lead you to the next question to investigate. As an educator, I am often forced to make changes to my current practices by outside consultants, instructional coaches, or universities providing grants to the school. Therefore, I was pleased to learn action research is driven by educators themselves and involves researching matters that are of importance to the individual. Action research leads to constant learning.

I think I will be able to use action research to continually improve. As I fly through my fourth year of teaching, I can understand the temptation to become stagnant. I plan to use action research to reflect and challenge myself to raise the bar higher. Action research will help me identify areas of weakness and possible professional development needs. Hopefully I will also be able to increase student learning, improve my teaching methods, and contribute to positive change on my campus.