Week 5 Reflection

I’ve learned so much from this course and the content it included, with an emphasis on action research. Action research is an ongoing, continuous process that never stops, preventing an organization from stagnating, and providing a progressive environment conducive to change. It also allows for a thorough examination of current practices, using the techniques of research to determine what could be lacking. Action research allows the vested parties to address issues that are specific to the individual, group, or school, not just issues outsiders believe are important. Action research is also a process that models problem solving, which can be introduced and modeled for teachers, students, and other administrators. In addition, action research has the capability to rejuvenate the learning and professional community alike. Action research follows a process of steps that tend to be cyclical in nature. Action research is more of an introspective, self evaluation tool to determine current abilities and skills, and what changes might need to be made. It can be an individual, collaborative, or school-wide undertaking that happens within the learning community.


Reflection is not new process for me, as it is greatly encouraged by my administration, but developing my action research plan really made me realize exactly how important it is to an educator. As an educational leader, it is vital to reflect on a continuous daily basis. When evaluating any type of project or outcome, to be an effective leader we must ask ourselves a few questions. Was the outcome positive? Is there anything else that could be done to enhance the outcome? If the outcome was not desired, what could be done to elicit better results? Based on the answers to those questions, then we should plan to improve and extend the desired outcome. Reflection also allows teachers to grow professionally, and gain confidence in their abilities and skills. Reflection is a time to understand our self better, and determine what changes need to be made to attain the desired outcome.

I also learned something that was totally foreign to me, which were the strategies for sustaining improvement. Force field analysis is a powerful tool when used correctly, especially in the school setting. There are always forces involved within any organization, both negative and positive. According to Kurt Lewin, who developed the force field analysis tool, there are forces that drive changes and forces that resist change. This definitely applies when developing an action research plan within a school environment. The Delphi Method relies on a team of experts or interested parties that would ultimately be affected by the change. This particular method is normally confidential, with surveys being exchanged and information being shared electronically. The Nominal group technique also has merit, but I hesitate to try this method first, due to time constraints. A facilitator normally leads the discussion within a small group setting, asking members to silently write down what they feel the schools needs/issues are. Each person shares one idea, which is written down, with no discussion at this time. Then a small group discussion follows of the alleged needs, with group members rating the needs from most important to least important. This technique also has merit because judgmental attitudes are not allowed as issues are being discussed, so members feel open to discuss freely. The more I studied these techniques; I feel that a combination of the Delphi method and Force field analysis would supply the greatest benefit for sustaining improvement in the school.