Reflection on Action Research

After reading the assigned readings, I have first and foremost determined that my principal is a huge advocate of action research. (And I am not sure that she has ever read either of the two books.) At the beginning of her reign as principal and I as "learner" she constantly was asking others what they thought and providing them with info to get their opinions. My first thoughts were that she might be giving away to much, however, I am now aware that what she was doing was action research. She was communicating with her staff and asking lots of questions. She wanted to know where her areas of strength and weaknesses were in the building and in herself. Action research allowed her to look inside our building and begin making changes without anybody complaining, because everyone was involved. Everyone was brought together to discuss what worked, what didn't, what we needed to do and where to begin. Then, she created a faculty advisory group to keep the action research going. The group met once a month to discuss progress, regression and future growth.
So, after my readings and understanding of what I have been witnessing for a year, I feel like I truly understand action research and how valuable it will be in my leadership future. It aligns with my thoughts that a true leader is a life long learner and questioner.