Thursday, January 19, 2012

How educational leaders might use blogs

There are several ways that an educational leader might use blogs. One way would be to share ideas. A leader could blog about issues or problems that they are experiencing and give and get advice from others who may have gone through similar problems. It would also give leaders a chance to bounce ideas off of one another in a professional form. Those encounters would lead to professional growth. Leaders would be able to gain wisdom from and be challenged by other veteran leaders through back and forth conversation in the blogs. Also most leaders work long hours and the blogs do not require an appointment and are always there regardless of the time of day or night.   

Action Research

All growth depends upon activity. There is no development physically or intellectually without effort, and effort means work. Work is not a curse; it is the prerogative of intelligence, the only means to manhood, and the measure of civilization.
Calvin Coolidge

Action research is a tool that can be used by anyone looking to get a better understanding of themselves and the organization that they work for. It is a model of self-improvement that allows the user grow by looking inward instead of listening outside sources that are unaware of their specific problem and situation. The introspective aspect of the action research is the most important part. So many times in education we rely on outsiders to tell us how to run and teach in our schools. Most of the time they have no idea what really troubles you and your school building. What might be a big problem in one area might not even be a problem with your school. Each and every school is its own world in its self. It is also a useful tool for the entire school to use when setting goals. It helps to keep the school on tract and targeted towards the same objective. It is important that the person using the action research is specific in what they are focusing on. If the topic is to general they will be unable to come to a clear concise plan of action.