What I have learned about action research and how I will be able to use it...

One very important thing I learned in my readings on action research is that the word research can be replaced with the word inquiry.  This is important to me because when I hear the word "research," I automatically think about A LOT of extra work and my interest level decreases.  So... when I refer to inquiry, it means the same as research.  With that said, I have learned that professional inquiry is when a leader constantly reflects on his or her practices, questions what is working or not working, and creates a plan for changes that need to be made.  After implementation of those changes, the leader assesses how the plan worked or did not work and then makes further adjustments from there.  For a leader practicing professional inquiry, this is an ongoing process and a way of doing their job.  It is not something “extra” to do, but just a different way of thinking.  When a leader finds solutions and positive results from his inquiry, he shares them with others because he wants others to have the same success.  The leader of a school should always be wanting to learn more. 

If a leader is constantly reflecting, then he is constantly seeking change,  advice, approaches, and new ideas.  He is always challenging himself to learn more to create the best school that he can for his staff, students, parents,and community.  If a leader practices administrative inquiry, he is always ready to tackle a challenge or situation that comes up and feels confident about the process of making important changes.  I also learned a major difference between traditional research and action research, or professional inquiry.  Traditional  Professional inquiry is when YOU, as the leader, realize, reflect, and make decisions based on the needs of your staff, students and situations you encounter. 

 I will use professional inquiry in my future to improve myself, and be humble enough to reflect on my own teaching and practice to realize that change is needed. I will also use inquiry to help me focus on improving student achievement which will improve my teaching.  It will help me gain knowledge of effective strategies for my own professional growth, which may lead to practicing different teaching styles.