“Simply stated, administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systemic, 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. Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or “wonderings,” collecting data to gain insights into their wonderings, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others.” (Dana, 2009) Administrative inquiry makes sense to me. It provides hands-on learning in an effort to improve current practices while dealing with real situations and problems. Administrative inquiry makes learning meaningful and a reflective process. It also provides the opportunity for administrators to model that we must continuously seek to improve our practices. We are never through learning.
As I read Leading with Passion and Knowledge, I was thrilled. I know it sounds silly, but it so closely described what I am currently doing. As a Master Teacher, I am responsible for weekly, job-embedded professional development. This professional development must be data-driven and needs based. I must field test all new learning before I can present it to my teachers. The field-testing process that I utilize is quite similar to administrator inquiry; identifying a problem, analyzing data, researching, reflecting, improving practices and sharing with others. Therefore, I am sure that as I learn more, I will be able to utilize this process in my daily practices.
Works Cited
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge the principal as an action researcher. Thousand Oaks, Ca: Corwin.
It makes sense to me too! As I think about the teachers and administrators that I have learned from many of them did action research instinctively.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed thrilling to realize our efforts align with research-based methods. In a way it validates how we do our work. I agree with you, action research deals with real life issues and solutions applicable to a particular problem on a given campus. Great point!
ReplyDeleteLike you said action research is meaningful because it is focused on real situations and problems happening in your own school. It makes sense to me too because it is practical and applicable to our own specific needs. I like the reflecting part of it too because it gives one the opportunity to critique one's own practices.
ReplyDeleteI agree... it's not silly at all!
ReplyDeleteApplication of data that is right here in our backyard is genius! We can become better teachers and administrators by using the tools that are right here, it doesn't have to be a seperate compartment of our life (as if anyone in education needs another compartment!)
Great post!
Mandi