Reflection is the key to unlocking the door to action research. We cannot research what we do not see as a problem or idea. It is my nature to ponder on things. I have a 45 minute drive each way to work and I often use that time to ponder what things I want to be able to do better or what policies are in place that could use a little tweaking to make them more efficient and serve my students better. People often ask me why I work so far from where I live and question how I could drive such a long way every day. My answer for them is that without it I would not be as effective as I am as an educational leader. It is this time everyday that allows me to formulate the questions that I can follow up with some form of action research. I tend to prefer the collaborative type of action research as I benefit from having a sounding board to bounce ideas off of.
The Dana text referenced how difficult it is for leaders to find the time to really reflect. I loved the ideas suggested in Leading with Passion and Knowledge where one principal in essence practiced what she preached by visiting a classroom during their writing workshop time and sat down at a desk and modeled for those students that she was willing to write as well (Dana, 2009, p 89). What a perfect example of a win-win situation! That principal not only modeled the behavior she expected from the students but built into her schedule a weekly time for reflection and journaling. I am positive that this practice made her a better leader.
How many of us have our best ideas while in the shower? If only they made a shower pen where we could get those thoughts down on paper, or in this case, the shower wall. For me my drive time serves this function and without it I could not function. I need time to reflect and I know that it will lead to asking good questions for me to develop into an action research project. Many days I am completing these mini action research type projects. They help me to problem solve immediately and not hope that some Superman is going to fly in and fix everything for me.
In collaboration with others I can identify the problems I am experiencing in real time and find solutions that actually benefit student success.
Yes, the benefits of reflection are monumental. The text stressed committing time to reflection. As professionals and individuals we need this "alone" time in order to become more effective in whatever our role may be.
ReplyDelete