Action Research
This week I have learned what exactly action research is. The term "action" helps to define what action research is. Action Research is the act of involving many people while researching a topic. Action research is different from other research methods because it involves others in the research process verses one person researching something on their own. Action research uses many resources including teachers, students, and data.
Action research "highlights the role practitioners play as knowledge generators." Dana, N.F. (2009) This research focuses on the concerns of practitioners, not outside researchers, and engages practitioners in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around their question." Action research is a "classroom research process in which educators study their students' learning related to their won teaching." (Clockman, Gordon, & Ross-Gordon, 2004; Rawlinson & Little 2004, Sagor, 2000). Traditional educational research is "drawn from qualitative or interpretative students, teaching and schooling." Dana, N.F. (2009) These are portrayed as "highly complex, context-specific, interactive activities. It captures critically important differences across classrooms, schools, and communities." Dana, N.F. (2009) Action research engages others in the development, while traditional research is done by one who does not involve others in the process. Action research is a very involved process where traditional research is not.
How Educators can use Blogs:
Educators can use blogs to communicate with their peers. Blogging provides the opportunity for many people to read news and comment back and forth. Administrators can use blogs with their teachers to share upcoming events and get feedback at the same time. Teachers could also use blogs with their students. The students could communication not only with their teachers, but other students as well. Parents could also become involved with their students by viewing the blogs. I think that it is great that each person who is viewing the blog can see what everyone else is saying. This is great two way communication.
