“Simply stated, administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principle engaging in systematic, 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.”
Nancy Fichtman Dana
Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principle as Action Researcher
Action research is the process of examining yourself and your environment in an effort to improve the decision-making process. It a multi-step process that one goes through to find a solution to a problem. First the problem must be identified then data about the problem must be gathered. The data is evaluated and then a plan of action is decided upon. Action research is performed by individuals or a group of individuals that are closely attached to or affected by the problem. Whereas traditional research is performed by others that are outside of the issue and the environment in which the issue exists. This means that the traditional researcher does not have the vested interest that the action researcher does. Action research also provides a great opportunity for collaboration. Getting more individuals involved in the process leads to more buy-in when the action plan is introduced. This will mean more individuals are committed to implementing the proposed change because they were a part of the decision and design process.
As an administrator, I would use this process in curriculum design. I would begin my inquiry by examining the skills an individual needs to be successful in a particular industry. This would lead into reviewing literature to learn about the current trends in that industry. Now I can begin to put together the course content. Of course because the work world changes so quickly this process would have to constantly be repeated, helping to ensure that my program was representative of the industry.
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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