Show me the facts.  That is what people want, the facts.  How do you get the facts?  You provide data.  Not just any data, data from a reliable source.  When listening to interviews and reading some books about research in the education world  I have come to the conclusion that almost all professionals want data to go along with any research project.  I would almost go out on a limb and say that if any Joe off of the street tries to write a hypothesis for a new teaching technique no one would even listen to him unless he had some type of data to back himself up.  I love data, but I also hate it.  I feel like as an educator and a professional sometimes people should just believe what I say.  But, they want data to back it up.  I understand why, it just gets annoying sometime having to back up any idea you have with some data.  On the other hand I love proving my theory’s correct with a good chunk of data. 

This week I had to select just one action research project.  I had a hard time with this because I wanted to do many research projects, but unfortunately I just do not have the time for that.  I think if someone offered me a job doing educational research I could do that job. We will see if I feel the same way at the end of my research project. 

Blogs in the Education World

One of the most important jobs of an educational leader is to communicate.  The best leaders are the best communicators.  The problem is that educational leaders do not have the time to talk to everyone on a daily basis.  Blogs are a great tool for educational leaders to use to communicate necessary information.  Blogs can be used by educational leaders to communicate with students, parents, staff members, board members, and the general public.  Blogs can communicate a thought to thousands of people in a matter of seconds. 

Action Research

How many people out there in the world have written a research paper, turned the paper in to the teacher, the teacher graded it, received the paper back, and then just thrown the paper away or put it in a folder to collect dust? I know this has happened to me many times in my past.  The research that was conducted has no real value.  I believe most people would like their research to make a difference in the world. This is why “action research” is such a great method to conduct research.  Action research is when someone selects an inquiry that is relevant to the environment that they are working in, and conducts their own research on it.  This person then designs the entire research model to help benefit their environment.  I believe the best part about this process is that it is relevant to the life of the researcher.  When the research has value and can make a positive change in people’s lives then I believe everyone involved will put forth their best effort. Action research can be done by and individual, by a group, or even by an entire district. Another great benefit to this type of educational research is that it can be a never ending cycle of improvement.   Once the first initial phase of research is done the person/group can reflect and revise the research project.  I believe that people enjoy hands on work that is relevant to the work environment that they are a part of.  Action research is a great method for people to get active in their work environment and make a positive change that will benefit everyone around them.  The end product of an action research project will have a much bigger impact on the world than the dusty old paper that only two people have read.