Week 2: Things Are Beginning to Look Less Foggy....

I started this journey thinking research, how boring and when will I use it as a principal.  However, I realized and  clearly understand the difference between traditional research and action research.  This was further cleared up in my brain this week by studying Chapter 2 and reading about the 9 areas of passion that may stem your 1st wonderings.   It was like a fog was cleared out of my brain.  I realized how I have been involved in many action research projects over the years.  I also realized how I will definitely continue to use action research as an instructional coach on my campuses and as a future principal.  I believe the process of action research is needed to bring about change.  Leaders have to use this process to formulate the "wonderings in their brain".  "The groundwork for this journey is what Kettering refers to as the welcoming attitude toward and active seeking of change. Essentially research is nothing but a state of mind,... a friendly, welcoming attitude toward change,... going out to look for change instead of waiting for it to come." (Kettering, in Boyd, 1961)  This thought was researched along time ago but it stands true today.  Reading through the 9 areas of passions to stem wonderings such powerful thoughts begin to emerge.  I like the fact about taking time to truly understand the difference between management and leadership.  I also want to remember as a  principal you have to clearly take time to balance the 2 areas.  It opened my eyes on the examples chapter 2 gave on what started out as "wonderings" molded into action research projects that took on a new form that clearly ended up making a huge difference for teachers and students.