I learned that action research is ongoing, continuous research that is done to increase success.  Action research is inquiry that is done by those that are directly involved in what needs to be changed.  In education, it is the principal and teachers of the school that do the action research to fix, enhance or change something.   The stakeholders are the ones doing the research and collecting the information.  Collecting and analyzing data, reading articles, gathering information, and analyzing what we do already and if it is or is not successful is a part of action research.  I like the idea that action research is continuous, and always changing.  A principal or those stakeholders become responsible for their own learning and their actions.  The actions they take to improve the problem.  Reflection is also very important in action research.  Being able to stop for a moment, and think back to what is working and what is not.  Then the inquirer can make changes where they need be. Action research is a huge learning opportunity. 

I think that action research is something I can plan to do as a teacher in my classroom and one day when I am an administrator.  I feel that as a classroom teacher, I do many things to change what I do in the classroom, to be successful.  Each year, using data from assessments, information from observations, I am able to see what strategies and lessons were successful, and which ones were not. It is important as an educator to take opportunities to continue learning.  We have to be lifelong learners, just like we want to instill that love for lifelong learning in our students.

Educational leaders use blogging for  sources of information and a place to share ideas.  I follow several blogs, for professional and personal reasons.  I get so many ideas from what others have to share.  Getting ideas from others perspectives is always refreshing in many ways.  Following blogs and blog sharing, allows you to learn things from others.  When faced with an educational road block in your teaching, reading how others face those road blocks and what they do is always beneficial.  It is always nice to get new fresh ideas.